Editing Zebrafish (section)

== Feeding ==
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Zebrafish feeding practices vary significantly across different developmental stages, reflecting their changing nutritional needs. For newly hatched larvae, which begin feeding at approximately 5 days post-fertilization (dpf), small live prey such as Paramecium or rotifers are commonly used until they reach 9–15 dpf.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Wallace |first1=Kenneth N. |last2=Akhter |first2=Shafinaz |last3=Smith |first3=Erin M. |last4=Lorent |first4=Kristin |last5=Pack |first5=Michael |date=February 2005 |title=Intestinal growth and differentiation in zebrafish |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0925477304002503 |journal=Mechanisms of Development |language=en |volume=122 |issue=2 |pages=157–173 |doi=10.1016/j.mod.2004.10.009 |pmid=15652704}}</ref> This early diet is crucial for their growth and survival, as these small organisms provide essential nutrients. As the larvae develop, from 15 dpf onwards, they are typically transitioned to a diet that includes brine shrimp nauplii and dry feeds, which are more nutritionally balanced and easier to manage in laboratory settings. For larvae aged 25 dpf, feeding rates can range from 50% to 300% of their body weight (BW) per day, depending on their size and growth requirements.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bryant |first1=P.L. |last2=Matty |first2=A.J. |date=November 1980 |title=Optimisation of Artemia feeding rate for carp larvae (Cyprinus carpio L.) |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/0044848680901313 |journal=Aquaculture |language=en |volume=21 |issue=3 |pages=203–212 |doi=10.1016/0044-8486(80)90131-3 |bibcode=1980Aquac..21..203B}}</ref> As zebrafish grow into juveniles (30–90 dpf), the recommended feeding rate decreases to about 6–8% of their BW per day, with a focus on high-quality dry feeds that meet their protein and energy needs. Upon reaching adulthood (over 90 dpf), zebrafish typically require a feeding rate of around 5% of their BW per day. Throughout these stages, it is essential to adjust the particle size of the feed: less than 100 μm for newly hatched larvae, 100–200 μm for those between 16 and 30 dpf, and larger particles for juveniles and adults. This structured approach to feeding not only supports optimal growth and health but also enhances the reliability of experimental outcomes in research settings.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Licitra |first1=Rosario |last2=Fronte |first2=Baldassare |last3=Verri |first3=Tiziano |last4=Marchese |first4=Maria |last5=Sangiacomo |first5=Chiara |last6=Santorelli |first6=Filippo Maria |date=April 2024 |title=Zebrafish Feed Intake: A Systematic Review for Standardizing Feeding Management in Laboratory Conditions |journal=Biology |language=en |volume=13 |issue=4 |page=209 |doi=10.3390/biology13040209 |issn=2079-7737 |pmc=11047914 |pmid=38666821 |doi-access=free}}</ref>