AUTHOR=Li Xiao-hong , Fu Cheng , Tan Xue-ting , Fu Shi-jian 

TITLE=Responses of zebrafish to chronic environmental stressors: anxiety-like behavior and its persistence

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1551595

DOI=10.3389/fmars.2025.1551595

ISSN=2296-7745

ABSTRACT=IntroductionFish in natural ecosystems face long-term environmental stressors, with anxiety being a critical stress response. This study investigates how chronic stressors—predators, social isolation, and caffeine—affect anxiety-like behavior and cortisol levels in zebrafish (Danio rerio), and examines the persistence of these effects post-stressor removal.MethodsZebrafish were exposed to three stressors for 14 days. Anxiety-like behavior and cortisol levels were measured for up to 28 days following the removal of the stressors.ResultsChronic predator stress significantly increased anxiety-like behavior and cortisol levels, persisting for at least seven days post-removal. Social isolation reduced anxiety-like behavior and cortisol levels, with effects lasting no less than one day after re-socialization. Caffeine induced temporary anxiolytic effects, reversing one day post-withdrawal and persisting for at least seven days, while cortisol levels remained elevated.DiscussionZebrafish exhibit stressor-specific behavioral and physiological changes with varying persistence. These findings enhance understanding of fish responses to environmental stressors, offering insights into their survival strategies and ecosystem health.