Adding preferred color to a conventional reward method improves the memory of zebrafish in the T-maze behavior model

Abstract

Zebrafish have become a useful model for studying behavior and cognitive functions. Recent studies have shown that zebrafish have natural color preference and the ability to form associative memories with visual perception. It is well known that visual perception enhances memory recall in humans, and we suggest that a similar phenomenon occurs in zebrafish. This study proposes that adding a visual perception component to a conventional reward method would enhance memory recall in zebrafish. We found that zebrafish showed greater preference for red cellophane over yellow in the training session but could not remember the preferred place in the memory test. However, the test memory recall was greater when the zebrafish were exposed to the red cellophane with a food reward during the training session, when compared with the use of food reward only. Furthermore, the red cellophane with food reward group showed more predictable memory recall than the food reward only group. These results propose that visual perception can increase memory recall by enhancing the consolidation processes. We suggest that color-cued learning with food reward is a more discriminative method than food reward alone for examining the cognitive changes in the zebrafish.

Neuroprotective effects of magnesium l-threonate in a hypoxic zebrafish model

“…Similar to our previous findings, a four-day training period was sufficient to allow zebrafish to develop a preference for a particular target compartment, even in the absence of colored cellophane and food during the testing period. Approximately 10 min of hypoxia reversed the effects of training and induced cerebral injury, consistent with our previous results [21,26].…”

“…Notably, zebrafish have specific color preferences [32]. We previously employed a similar zebrafish behavior model using color preferences in the absence of food rewards [21,26]. Similar to our previous findings, a four-day training period was sufficient to allow zebrafish to develop a preference for a particular target compartment, even in the absence of colored cellophane and food during the testing period.…”

“…This model has recently become regarded as an ideal vertebrate model that has a competitive edge in terms of time and cost for large-scale drug toxicity screening studies [20]. In our previous study, zebrafish were found to be useful in the evaluation of cognitive function including learning and memory [21].…”

Social interaction influences innate color preference of zebrafish shoals

“…In addition, Kim et al . [40] claimed that there was no color preference between red and green. Since then, the color preference test has been replicated by different groups with their own experimental designs, it is difficult to control the experimental apparatus, the acclimation period and recording time.…”

Neuroprotective Effects of Magnesium L-threonate in a Hypoxic Zebrafish Model

“…This model has recently become regarded as an ideal vertebrate model that has a competitive edge in terms of time and cost for large-scale drug toxicity screening studies [20]. In our previous study, zebra sh were found to be useful in the evaluation of cognitive function including learning and memory [21].…”