Qualitative and Quantitative Measurements of the Optokinetic Response in Larval Zebrafish

The zebrafish is a promising model organism in vision research. To evaluate the visual function of laboratory animals, reliable behavioral assays are indispensable. The optokinetic response (OKR) assay has proven a valuable tool not only to screen for mutations affecting the visual system of larval zebrafish, but also for in-depth analysis of already known mutants. Here we present a qualitative method for a fast evaluation of the OKR in larval fish, which can be used in an initial screen for blind mutants. In addition, we describe a sophisticated method, which not only allows for quantitative measurements of the OKR, but also for computer-generated presentation of visual stimuli.