Protocol for quantitative analysis of adult zebrafish swimming behavior using DeepLabCut

Here, we present a protocol for quantifying adult zebrafish swimming behavior using open-source software. We describe steps for recording and preprocessing swimming behavior videos, labeling and training a DeepLabCut network, and applying the trained model to analyze behavior. We then detail procedures for processing and visualizing behavioral data. This protocol is optimized for single-fish tracking under standardized recording conditions and can be completed using beginner-level computational skills with basic laboratory hardware.

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Publication Details

Journal
STAR Protocols
Published
2026-02-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104374
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Zebrafish Biomedical Research Applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
23.07
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article

Protocol for quantitative analysis of adult zebrafish swimming behavior using DeepLabCut

Pramuk Keerthisinghe, Aditya Basak, Anwarul Karim, James P. Orengo
1 citations
STAR Protocols
Zebrafish Biomedical Research Applications
23.07
article

Protocol for quantitative analysis of adult zebrafish swimming behavior using DeepLabCut

Pramuk Keerthisinghe, Aditya Basak, Anwarul Karim, James P. Orengo
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Here, we present a protocol for quantifying adult zebrafish swimming behavior using open-source software. We describe steps for recording and preprocessing swimming behavior videos, labeling and training a DeepLabCut network, and applying the trained model to analyze behavior. We then detail procedures for processing and visualizing behavioral data. This protocol is optimized for single-fish tracking under standardized recording conditions and can be completed using beginner-level computational skills with basic laboratory hardware.

STAR ProtocolsVol. 7(1)
Baylor College of Medicine (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Zebrafish Biomedical Research Applications
23.07
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