Cognitive Bias in Adult Zebrafish (): A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, the use of zebrafish () as laboratory models has significantly increased. Ensuring their welfare is crucial, with the cognitive bias test emerging as a valuable tool to assess their emotional state. This systematic review examines the application of the cognitive bias test in zebrafish research.

DATA

The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines.

SOURCES

A systematic search was conducted in scientific databases, including PubMed and Scopus, yielding 30 articles. Additionally, one abstract identified through bibliographic screening of selected papers was included.

STUDY SELECTION

Six studies were selected for analysis, and their quality was assessed using SYRCLE's risk-of-bias tool.

RESULTS

Three experimental models were employed to conduct the cognitive bias test in zebrafish, focusing on the relationship between their affective state and environmental conditions, cognitive abilities, and life-history strategies but none of the studies adequately reported the techniques employed to reduce bias.

DISCUSSION

The cognitive bias test proved effective in assessing the emotional state of zebrafish; however, methodological biases may have influenced the results.

CONCLUSION

The cognitive bias test offers valuable insights into how emotional states affect cognitive abilities, responses to environmental changes (e.g., physical enrichment), and stress responses. Further research addressing methodological limitations is necessary to validate these findings and improve data reproducibility.