Zebrafish behavioral phenotyping: Current assays, automated platforms, and the emerging need for AI in neuroscience, drug discovery and toxicology

Quynh T N Nguyen; Jean Giacomotto

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106774

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Zebrafish behavioral phenotyping: Current assays, automated platforms, and the emerging need for AI in neuroscience, drug discovery and toxicology

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Zebrafish behavioral phenotyping: Current assays, automated platforms, and the emerging need for AI in neuroscience, drug discovery and toxicology

Quynh T N Nguyen and Jean Giacomotto

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, Vol.187, pp.1-19

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106774

PMID: 42176767

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Abstract

Automate

Behaviour

Phenotyping

Zebrafish

Over the past two decades, zebrafish have become an increasingly prominent model organism for basic research, drug discovery, and toxicology. Its advantages combine low cost, high throughput amenability, high gene homology to humans, genetic flexibility and widespread use in academia. This animal model combines the ease of use of smaller animals (such as C. elegans and D. melanogaster) with the complexity of its vertebrate/mammalian counterparts, adding access to comprehensive phenotypic and behavioral studies without compromising high throughput and low cost. Similar to rodent models, a growing number of assays have recently been developed for zebrafish. This repertoire is rapidly growing and recent advancements in high-throughput techniques, computer-driven simulations, and automated tracking technologies/devices are starting to open new doors of research while simplifying the analysis of previously difficult-to-detect phenotypes. In parallel, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise for more effectively detecting and characterizing even the most subtle behavioral changes. Despite this rapid progress, the field would benefit from greater standardization of nomenclature, assays, and data formats. Here, we reviewed the literature associated with comprehensive zebrafish behavioral assays, with a particular focus on their applications in drug discovery and toxicology. We compiled the automated devices developed or adapted for these assays. We further discussed the advantages and limitations of these technologies and outlined potential future directions and needs in the field.

Details

Title: Zebrafish behavioral phenotyping: Current assays, automated platforms, and the emerging need for AI in neuroscience, drug discovery and toxicology
Authors: Quynh T N Nguyen - Griffith University
Jean Giacomotto (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, Vol.187, pp.1-19
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106774
ISSN: 1873-7528
PMID: 42176767
Grants: ZebraClinics. From the identification of drugs against neurodegeneration to a better understanding of synaptic development and function., 1174145, National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia, Canberra) - NHMRC
Grant note: FightMND Impact Grant to JG.
Organisation Unit: Thompson Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991239200002621
Output Type: Journal article

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