Statistical considerations for the breeding of zebrafish and their use in experiments

There are important statistical considerations required for research endeavours using the zebrafish as a model organism. Zebrafish are a specialist species with some unique qualities that must be taken into account in data acquisition. This popular and versatile fish requires statistical knowledge for stock management, health screening and in order to produce robust experimental data. We demonstrate how to use known or inferred information about stock to choose how to manage aspects of a zebrafish colony and provide information on the most common methods used for statistical testing in experiments. Whilst only giving a brief introduction to most topics relating to experimental data, we aim to expand on areas where we believe difficulties commonly arise for the zebrafish researcher. These are illustrated with topical examples in the main body of the text, whilst underlying statistical formulae are given in an Appendix to the chapter. We want to motivate enquiry and highlight requirements and options to empower the researcher to take these ideas and expand upon their principles. In today's research network, support is easy to access, even in areas outside the core discipline; for example, many universities have statistics advisory services. Higher expectations exist to justify animal research and there are increasingly obligatory minimum guidelines to follow within reporting. Planning is essential because it is now widely acknowledged that publishing research is futile if data are deficient, and peer reviewers will pick up on this.