Cătălina IONESCU1,2*, Viorica RARINCA1,2,3, Mălina VISTERNICU1,2, Alin CIOBICA2,4,5,6, Fatima Zahra KAMAL7
Abstract. Chromotherapy, the therapeutic use of colored light, has been shown to influence physiological and behavioral processes, including stress modulation, learning, and memory. Zebrafish (Danio rerio), with their tetrachromatic vision, rapid development, and well-characterized behavioral repertoire, provide an ideal model for studying the effects of color exposure. Innate color preferences in zebrafish, particularly for red and green, significantly affect exploratory behavior, associative learning, and cognitive flexibility. Experimental approaches such as T-maze and Y-maze assays allow the assessment of these preferences and their impact on learning and memory. Overall, zebrafish studies highlight the potential of chromotherapy as a non-invasive tool to modulate behavior and cognitive function, offering insights relevant for broader vertebrate models and translational research.
Keywords: Chromotherapy; Zebrafish; Color preference; Learning and memory; Behavioral modulation; T-maze; Neurobehavioral research
DOI 10.56082/annalsarscibio.2025.2.216
1 Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Carol I Avenue, 20A, 700505 Iași, Romania
2 “Ioan Haulica” Institute, Apollonia University, Pacurari Street 11, 700511 Iasi, Romania
3 Doctoral School of Geosciences, Faculty of Geography and Geology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Carol I Avenue, 20A, 700505 Iași, Romania
4 Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I no. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania.
5 “Olga Necrasov” Center, Depart. of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Iasi, Romania.
6 Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3, Ilfov Street, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
7 Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health, Technical (ISPITS), Marrakech 40000, Morocco
*Corresponding author e-mail: catalinaionescu81@yahoo.com
PUBLISHED in Annals Academy of Romanian Scientists Series on Biological Sciences, Volume 14 no 2, 2025