Modified associative learning T-maze test for zebrafish (Danio rerio) and other small teleost fish

Abstract

Associative learning is a form of classical (Pavlovian) conditioning in which a neutral stimulus (e.g., the color green) is paired with a stimulus of some significance to an animal (e.g., food), such that for the animal, the color becomes synonymous with food to evoke the same innate, reflexive behavioral responses (e.g., food seeking). This protocol is designed to test the acquisition and extinction of reward-visual stimulus association in zebrafish (Danio rerio) in a T-maze. It is based on the visual discrimination protocol of Colwill et al. (2005), in which colors or patterns are paired with a food reward. The protocol has been modified to include a reward box within the T-maze aquarium so that the influence of drug reinforcement can be studied without the potential confound of reward residues contaminating the testing arena. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.