Abstract
Assessment of animals' sensory–motor functions requires precise and electronically controlled stimuli to induce and quantify specific behavioral phenotypes. However, accessible and inexpensive tools for conducting diverse sensory–motor biotests with fish are lacking. In this work, we present an open-source software and hardware interface that enables automated delivery of three independent and fully programmable stimuli for behavioral bioassays. We demonstrate the proof-of-concept application of this low-cost technology in establishing reproducible fear responses using a mechanical tap–startle stimulus in larval zebrafish. This response is characterized by a sudden burst of motion in response to a nondirectional mechanical stimulus delivered to the fish chamber. We propose that the simplicity and flexibility of this interface offer innovative opportunities for studying sensory–motor functions in various fields, including neurobiology, neuropharmacology, neurotoxicology, and aquatic ecotoxicology.
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