Zebrafish fins may be amputated for a number of purposes, including screening individual fish for molecular, genetic or biochemical markers, or for studying the regeneration of the fin.
Fins regenerate within a few weeks, if amputated correctly.
The caudal fin is the easiest to amputate. Pick up the anesthetized fish with a plastic spoon and place on the index finger of one of your hands. Slide a pair of scissors between your finger and the fin and cut. Return the fish to fresh water. Place the fin in the appropriate tube.