Aim: 

Can Nothobranchius korthausae (Cyprinodontiformes, Pisces) be used as a vertebrate model for aging studies?

Methods: 

A N. korthausae stock has been both bred and reared in our laboratory. Growth and survival rates, locomotor activity (using photoelectrical cells) and lipid profiles have been recorded in different life stages.

Results: 

(1) Fish match adult life in the first 30-45 days, the males having a higher longitudinal growth rate.

(2) The highest mortality rate was recorded between days 4 and 16.

(3) Theactivity pattern was typically diurnal. In aged fishes, low activity was observed, moving predominantly in the bottom of tank and showing low anticipatory response to feeding.

(4) As in other freshwater fish species, high levels of fatty acids 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 are found, increasing throughout their vital cycle until match adult life, in spite they are present in very low proportions in fish diets.

Conclusion: 

Activity records and fatty acid profiles obtained lead to think that N. korthausae can be used as model for aging studies. This species is easier to be hold in laboratory conditions than others from the same gender.

Acknowledgements: 

This project was funded by Seneca Foundation (PI/05700/07), by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (RETICEF, RD06/0013/0019), and by the Ministry of Education and Science (BFU2007-60658/BFI).