Standardization of Skeletal Imaging in Small Fish Models

In the past decade, small fish species (e.g., zebrafish) have become widely used models for studying human skeletal development and disease. Nonetheless, assessing fish bone morphology and mineral density remains challenging due to the lack of standardized imaging methods. A recent Journal of Bone and Mineral Research article by Prof. David Karasik and colleagues highlights this issue, emphasizing the need for unified protocols. The researchers discuss how imaging facilities designed for rodents, such as X-ray and CT, are not directly suitable for small fish due to anatomical and microstructural differences. As a result, fish studies lack consistency in measurement approaches. The article proposes guidelines for terminology, measurement units, and imaging parameters, to improve standardization in fish skeletal assessments. Adopting these recommendations will enhance reproducibility, clarity, and cross-study comparability. Such improvements are essential for accurately interpreting genetic functions and phenotypes, particularly in multi-center research efforts.