C57bl/6

C57BL/6 is a black-coated inbred laboratory mouse strain of Mus musculus and one of the most commonly used reference backgrounds in biomedical research. It has been central to genetics, neuroscience, metabolism, immunology, and transgenic mouse work. The strain name may appear with substrain suffixes, and those details matter because colonies maintained by different suppliers or institutions can develop meaningful biological differences over time.

People managing C57BL/6 mice usually prioritize consistent sourcing, defined breeding plans, and careful environmental control. Diet, light cycle, cage density, and pathogen status can all influence study outcomes, so husbandry records are part of the animal's practical identity. When C57BL/6 animals are used in breeding with engineered or mutant lines, keeping the background clear is as important as recognizing the black coat.

Colors: Black