Guppy Fish (Poecilia reticulata) and its Use in Scientific Research - a Short Narrative Review
Keywords:
aquarium fish, ecotoxicology, laboratory animals, model organism, Poecilia reticulata.Abstract
For many years, the Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) has been a new model organism in the family of laboratory animals used especially in the field of behavioural ecology and evolutionary biology. This short narrative review is trying to summarize some of the guppy fish uses, from its early discovery and its use as an aquarium pet fish to modern specialized use as a laboratory animal in various applications. This review-type study highlights important advances in our knowledge of life-history evolution under diverse pressure from predators and partner selection, particularly the complex interaction between the use of males as ornamental fish and the use of females for their reproductive capabilities. The paper also discusses the specie’s significance in genomic and ecotoxicology studies, where its short period of time between new generations and environmental sensitivity, can offer precious information for tracking aquatic health status. This overview shows the guppy fish continued status as a flexible tool for answering basic biological issues by combining these several research streams.
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