Robotic Zebrafish 3D might not make a splash as a SyFy original movie, but they certainly made an impression on real-life zebrafish.

Researchers at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering discovered that zebrafish engaged more with three-dimensional, robotic models of themselves than with other stimuli, including two-dimensional moving, static, and non-moving replicas, and a non-moving rod.

The researchers placed live zebrafish in the center compartment of a tank with an empty section on either side. The fish were most attracted to a robot that mimicked the appearance and motion of a real fish. This attraction was lost when either motion or appearance differed.

“The fish, when presented with the choice between a static robot and one that was moving in 3D and beating its tail, preferred to spend time with the latter,” said Maurizio Porfiri, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

“This clarifies the important role motion plays in influencing zebrafish behavior. The experiments also significantly refined the robotic platform at enables consistent, repeatable tests with our live subjects.”

Scientists are increasingly using zebrafish in behavioral studies. They may even help researchers explore the mechanisms behind anxiety, addiction, autism, and schizophrenia.