Novel tank test in zebrafish v1

The novel tank test (NTT) is widely used in zebrafish to either screen anxiolytic-like or anxiogenic-like effects of compounds or as a behavioral bioassay to understand the neurobiology of defensive (anxiety-like) behavior. The test exploits zebrafish's natural preference for the bottom portions of a novel tank, a consequence of its biotic and abiotic environment in the wild. Advantages of the NTT include its ease of implementation as a fast assay, as well as its sensitivity to anxiolytic and anxiogenic compounds. The main endpoint is the time the animal spends in the bottom third of the tank; secondary endpoints include erratic swimming, freezing, homebase, and swimming speed. The protocol is suitable for adult zebrafish, but has also been applied to other small teleost fish, including the jundiá Rhamdia quelen and the medaka Oryzias latipes.