Visual intensity ratio modulates operant learning responses in larval zebrafish

Larval zebrafish is a promising vertebrate model for understanding neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Here, we report on a high-throughput operant learning system for zebrafish larvae and demonstrate that lower visual intensity ratio of the conditioned stimulus to the background can enhance learning ability, highlighted by several behavioral metrics. We further characterize the learning curves as well as memory extinction for each conditioned pattern. Finally, we show how this learning process developed from 7 days old to 10 days old zebrafish. Highlights Conditioned visual patterns with lower intensity ratio to the background elicited stronger operant learning responses Memory extinction was modulated by the visual intensity ratio of the conditioned stimulus to the background A high-throughput automated system for acquiring and analyzing behavioral data