Axial muscle-fibre orientation in developing larval zebrafish.

ABSTRACT: The fast axial muscles of larval bony fish power rapid escape responses, crucial for survival under high predation pressure. In adult and juvenile teleosts, these muscles follow a pseudo-helical pattern, while those of larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) exhibit a helical arrangement. However, its developmental time line remains unclear. We analysed muscle-fibre orientation in genetically modified zebrafish from 2 to 13 days post-fertilization (dpf) using 3D fluorescence confocal microscopy. Fibre angles were quantified relative to the notochord, and a model of circular, concentric helices was fitted to assess helical trajectories across development. Our results show that a helical pattern is already present at 2 dpf, tapering towards the tail. The pattern remains stable over the first 11 days

SUBMITTER: van Meer NMME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12813669 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature