Husbandry of the African Turquoise KillifishNothobranchius furzeri

Abstract

The African turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) is an extremely short-lived vertebrate that has emerged as a powerful model organism for several research areas, including aging and embryonic diapause, which is the temporary suspension of embryonic development. The killifish research community is expanding and developing new solutions to improve the tractability of the killifish as a model system. Starting a killifish colony from scratch can present numerous challenges. In this protocol, we aim to highlight critical elements in building and maintaining a killifish colony. This protocol should help laboratories start a killifish colony and standardize aspects of killifish husbandry.