Image Registration and Gantry Tracking System of Clytia hemisphaerica

Abstract

Understanding nervous system function and evolution requires detailed behavioral analysis of model organisms such as the jellyfish Clytia hemisphaerica. However, its size and rapid, free-swimming nature pose significant tracking challenges. This work presents a platform for the XY gantry system developed to overcome these hurdles for high-resolution behavioral monitoring. Separately, to prepare for downstream neural analysis, we developed an automated neuron segmentation pipeline - tailored for image registration purposes. Together, the tracking system and the analysis preparation pipeline provide powerful, distinct tools for high-throughput behavioral quantification and facilitate future studies linking behavior to underlying neural dynamics in Clytia hemisphaerica.