Zebrabase: An Intuitive Tracking Solution for Aquatic Model Organisms

Small fish species, such as zebrafish and medaka, are increasingly gaining popularity in basic research and disease modeling as a useful alternative to rodent model organisms. However, the tracking options for fish within a facility are rather limited. In this study, we present an aquatic species tracking database, Zebrabase, developed in our zebrafish research and breeding facility that represents a practical and scalable solution and an intuitive platform for scientists, fish managers, and caretakers, in both small and large facilities. Zebrabase is a scalable, cross-platform fish tracking database developed especially for fish research facilities. Nevertheless, this platform can be easily adapted for a wide variety of aquatic model organisms housed in tanks. It provides sophisticated tracking, reporting, and management functions that help keep animal-related records well organized, including a QR code functionality for tank labeling. The implementation of various user roles ensures a functional hierarchy and customized access to specific functions and data. In addition, Zebrabase makes it easy to personalize rooms and racks, and its advanced statistics and reporting options make it an excellent tool for creating periodic reports of animal usage and productivity. Communication between the facility and the researchers can be streamlined by the database functions. Finally, Zebrabase also features an interactive breeding history and a smart interface with advanced visualizations and intuitive color coding that accelerate the processes.