Impact of rearing density on sexual differentiation in Zebrafish
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34117/bjdv11n7-008Keywords:
Zebrafish, density, rearing, sexual differentiation, aquaculture managementAbstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a widely used model in biomedical research, yet its mechanisms of sex determination (SD) remain not fully understood. This study evaluated how rearing density influences sexual differentiation in zebrafish. Juvenile fish were maintained for six weeks under controlled conditions at four different densities (1.4, 1.8, 2.8, and 3.75 fish/L). Sex ratios were determined based on morphological traits. Results revealed that high-density conditions promoted male development (up to 77% males at the highest density), while lower densities favored females (up to 80% females at 2.8 fish/L and 60% at the lowest density). These findings confirm that rearing density is a significant environmental factor modulating SD in zebrafish, likely mediated by stress responses. This insight has practical implications for both aquaculture management and experimental design, emphasizing the importance of controlling density to prevent sex ratio bias and ensure scientific reproducibility.
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