Knowledge Base

Tracking Methods

• Color Marker Tracking: Tracks only the colored marker (no nose/tail tracking). Suitable for all species.
• Marker-Assisted Tracking: Uses both contrast-based body tracking and the color marker for identification. Recommended for social interaction tests where body points are needed.

Lighting Conditions

• Brightness: Ensure sufficient illumination; dim lighting reduces color contrast.
• Uniformity: Use diffuse lighting to minimize shadows and preserve color fidelity.
• Color Temperature: Use daylight-spectrum lamps for optimal hue separation.

General Marker Tips

• Choose highly distinct hues (e.g., red vs. green; avoid red vs. orange).
• Avoid red if possible—it resembles blood.
• Set a minimum marker size to ignore false detections from similar colors in the arena.
• Apply markers in advance to reduce animal stress during testing.
• Use fluorescent markers with UV lighting in dark conditions (for marker-only tracking).
• Place markers on the center of the back—not on the head or tail—to maintain visibility.
• Ensure the marker is round and uniform to reduce detection error.
• Do not oversize the marker, especially on small or light-colored animals.

Species-Specific Marking

Small Mammals & Birds

• Chalk/Terracotta markers: Non-toxic and opaque; effective on dark fur.
• Livestock markers: Paint sticks and sprays available in fluorescent colors.
• Hair dye: Long-lasting; bleach dark fur if needed.
• Permanent markers: Temporary and easy but can be removed by grooming.
• Colored jackets: Cloth with Velcro; useful for small mammals with colored fur.

Large Mammals

Use livestock markers such as:

• Carmel Industries
• Markal

Fish & Amphibians

• Plastic pearls: Attach under dorsal fin with non-resorbable filament under anesthesia (e.g., Chromis chromis).
• Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE) Tags: NMT produces VIE tags, visible under UV and normal light, suitable for fish and tadpoles.

Reptiles

• Nail polish: Applied to lizard skin, lasts up to 10 days in small species.

Insects

• Acrylic paint: Use a fine brush to apply; hold insect until dry.
• Food coloring via honey: For parasitic wasps and other insects with translucent abdomens; no anesthesia needed.
• VIE tags: Also usable for insects (see fish section).

Final Recommendations

• Always test marker visibility in your arena before running actual experiments.
• Minimize stress by marking animals well before trials begin.
• Check that colors are not duplicated in background or arena elements.