Hands-on Learning and Training Opportunities
The Zebrafish Education and Research Facility provides opportunities for training and hands-on learning using the zebrafish in both the classroom and in various research fields.
Because zebrafish share more than a 70% genetic similarity with humans, the species serves as an important animal model for studying multiple biomedical topics and human diseases. In fact, 85% of genes associated with human diseases can also be found in the zebrafish. Offering advantages such as ease of genetic manipulation, cost effectiveness, and rapid embryonic development, zebrafish provide a significant benefit to students and faculty interested in researching biomedical issues, including development, regeneration, infectious disease, cancer, and toxicology.
The facility is located on the Biddeford Campus and currently contains two double-sided recirculating systems with the capacity to house up to 7,000 zebrafish. It provides expertise and facilities for zebrafish husbandry as well as classroom and experimental use for faculty, students, and external users.
Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab Class
Services
- Animal housing and care
- Shipping and receiving embryos and adult fish
- Embryo procurement and disinfection
- Training and technical consultation
Histology and Imaging Core
ZERF users benefit from 91AV's Histology and Imaging Core's expertise and instrumentation for the embedding, sectioning, and staining of zebrafish tissues, as well as imaging and image analysis.
Internal User Fee Schedules
Weekly tank/facility fees
| Rates and/or fees | Price per week |
|---|---|
| Facility use flat fee | |
| One-time weekly charge for facility use | $10 |
| Adult (90dpf+tank rates) | |
| 1.8 L tank (<10fish/L, <18 fish) | $1.15 |
| 2.8 L tank (<10fish/L, <28 fish) | $1.75 |
| 6.0 L tank (<10fish/L, <60 fish) | $3.75 |
| Nursery/Juvenile (5-90dpf) Tank Rates | |
| 1.8 L tank (<15fish/L) | $2.30 |
| 2.8 L tank (<15fish/L) | $3.50 |
| 6.0 L tank (<100fry/6L 5 < 21dpf, then <15fish/L 21+dpf | $7.50 |
| Quarantine Tank Rates (8 weeks max for acclimation and progeny rearing and experimental fish) | |
| 18.9L (5gal) stand-alone tank (<10fish/L <190 total) | $14 |
| Extended quarantine housing for experimental fish | Contact Erin Ducharme for fee information |
Other services and fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Shipping and Receiving Embryos/Adult Fish | |
| Receiving embryos and adults (embryo generation or shipping costs not included) | Contact Erin Ducharme to request a quote |
| Embryo Handling* | |
| Up to 200 embryos | $30 per 200 |
| Spawning set-up/clean-up* | |
| Mass spawning chamber set-up (wild-type only) | $10/spawn |
| Isolated spawning chamber set-up (Quarantine or Transgenic) | $5/tank/spawn |
| Embryo Disinfection (at 24 hpf) | |
| Up to 200 embryos from one stock (clutch) | $10 per 200 embryos |
| Tissue Collection | |
| Embryo, finclip for genotyping | Fee is based on protocol used and sample size. Contact Erin Ducharme and Genotyping Core to request a quote |
| Genotyping | |
| Genotyping services | Contact Genotyping Core to request a quote |
| Training/Technical Consultation* | |
| Contact Erin Ducharme for discussion of project. | $25 per hour |
*To request this service fill out this online work order service form (PDF).
Work Order Request
Contact
Zebrafish Education and Research Facility, Morgane 023
