Which Asian nations form the native geographic range of the wild-type zebrafish?
Answer
India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan
The native range of the zebrafish, *Danio rerio*, is geographically concentrated in South Asia. Specifically, the established, naturally occurring populations are found spanning parts of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. This native environment is characterized by freshwater systems that generally exhibit slower currents rather than the swift, pristine mountain streams sometimes associated with other fish species. This established wild distribution contrasts sharply with the scattered, global presence of research populations today.

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