# Improving Husbandry and Data Reproducibility Through Automated Health Monitoring in Zebrafish Facilities

> **NIH NIH R44** · NEMAMETRIX, INC. · 2024 · $1,289,868

## Abstract

ABSTRACT / SUMMARY
 The zebrafish is an invaluable tool for developing and screening human therapeutics and modeling human
diseases. This animal model is strikingly genetically similar to humans, sharing 70% of all human genes (by
comparison, mice have orthologs of ~80% of human genes), and 82-90% of human disease-associated genes.
 Currently, however, zebrafish facilities lack an affordable, precise way to monitor and track the health of
their fish stock in an automated way, and to correlate fish health with extrinsic factors that may affect it. As a
result, research using unhealthy fish may lead to irreproducibility in research and spurious conclusions,
ultimately wasting time, money, and scientific effort. We propose the creation of a zebrafish health monitoring
system, “FishCam,” which has the potential to automate wellness checks and track them along with
environmental data (e.g., water quality) and, thus, revolutionize fish husbandry in aquaculture and zebrafish
laboratories. In Phase 1 Aim 1, we will build a system that reliably captures images and video of a zebrafish
population. In Phase 1 Aim 2, we will develop software algorithms that extract parameters such as how many
fish are in each tank, their size and their activity levels over the previous 48 hours. In Phase 2 Aim 1, we will
extend the FishCam imaging and analysis system to be compatible with commercial zebrafish rack and tank
systems (“FishCam Smart Rack”). Finally, in Phase 2 Aim 2, we will perform beta testing of the FishCam Smart
Rack system, optimizing it for real-world installations at external sites in the United States.
 Achievement of these aims will produce an automated, standardized system for zebrafish health
monitoring which will reduce variability and help ensure scientific validity of zebrafish research. By advancing
zebrafish husbandry, the proposed project aims to facilitate greater insights into human diseases and
streamline the development of human therapeutics.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11007636
- **Project number:** 4R44OD035388-02
- **Recipient organization:** NEMAMETRIX, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Trisha Brock
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,289,868
- **Award type:** 4N
- **Project period:** 2023-08-01 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11007636

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11007636, Improving Husbandry and Data Reproducibility Through Automated Health Monitoring in Zebrafish Facilities (4R44OD035388-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-04 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11007636. Licensed CC0.

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