Automated Imaging of Avoidance Behavior in Larval Zebrafish

This protocol describes the construction of an automated imaging system and two assays for measuring avoidance behaviors in larval zebrafish. The first assay, called the “bouncing ball assay,” measures the response of larvae to a threatening stimulus displayed on an LCD screen. The second assay, called the “two-fish assay,” measures avoidance behavior of two siblings in a multiwell plate. The assays are robust and can easily be adapted for medium- to high-throughput applications.