Zebrafish

Small freshwater fish used as a model organism in scientific research.

zebra danio

A small freshwater fish (Danio rerio) native to India and Southeast Asia. Widely used as a model organism in scientific research due to its small size, rapid breeding cycle, transparent embryos, and genetic similarities to humans.

Pronunciation

/ˈziːbrəˌfɪʃ/

Etymology

Zebrafish is a portmanteau of 'zebra' and 'fish', referring to the fish's striped pattern.

Explain Like I’m 5

Zebrafish are tiny, colorful fish that scientists study to learn about how bodies work and develop because they're easy to care for and their genes are similar to ours.

Fun Facts

Zebrafish are transparent as embryos, allowing scientists to observe their development
They reproduce very quickly, laying hundreds of eggs at a time
Zebrafish share about 70% of their genes with humans

FAQ

What is a zebrafish? A small freshwater fish
Why do scientists study them? They are used as model organisms in research
How big are they? Typically grow to about 2-3 inches

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

fish Cyprinidae

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

aquarium ecosystem

Indexes

animal aquatic animal scientific discipline vertebrate

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