The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a widely-used vertebrate model organism in scientific research, for the complete sequencing of its genome shows that it has more than 80% genes in common with human. Most cellular pathways are identical between human and fish, and work on this particular species is made much easier by its embryos transparency, which allows major advances in research areas such as toxicology or developmental biology. Moreover, its impressive regenerative abilities make it a very interesting model in the field of stem cells research and tissue regeneration.

Anti-COL4A3 antibody (pab0412-P) immunofluorescence staining of collagen alpha-3 (IV) chain at 72 hour post-fertilisation in developing zebrafish.
(Courtesy from E. GUILLON and F. RUGGIERO, IGFL, ENS, Lyon, France)