This atlas presents a comprehensive overview of the development of the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) through over 3,000 images, organized in two distinct sections:
in vivo imaging of embryonic development and histological examination of post-hatch development.
The
in vivo atlas of embryo development is designed to be a practical user-friendly tool for researchers, educators, and students alike. By bridging the gap between classic reference drawings and the everyday needs of lab work, we hope to bring clarity to what can sometimes feel like a complex or subjective process. Whether you are staging embryos, assessing toxicity effects, or simply exploring vertebrate development, we hope this resource makes your work just a little easier, and perhaps even more enjoyable.
The
histological atlas of post-hatch development offers a detailed view into the internal microscopic anatomy of the medaka across multiple developmental stages. With a focus on organ structure and maturation, we believe it is a valuable guide for understanding normal physiology, providing a valuable reference for developmental biology, environmental toxicology, and histopathology. We hope this work becomes a trusted companion in your research and inspires future investigations in fish models.
This project marks a milestone, the culmination of over 15 years of collaborative research between the Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, Complutense University, and the Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Department of the Environment and Agronomy, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, both based in Madrid, Spain.
We are deeply grateful to
Prof. David E. Hinton (Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, NC, USA),
Dr. Mark S. Okihiro (Wildlife and Fisheries Division, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, CA, USA), and
Dr. José Vicente Tarazona Lafarga (Spanish National Environmental Health Center, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain). Their early support and encouragement laid the foundation for this project. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to
Prof. Ángel López Carbonell (Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain) for his invaluable guidance in the histological study of medaka dentition.
Each individual medaka was handled in accordance with Directive 86/609/EEC of the European Union on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.