C57BL/6

C57BL/6, female, 22 weeks old

C57BL/6, often referred to as "C57 black 6", "B6", "C57" or "black 6", is a common inbred strain of laboratory mouse.

It is the most widely used "genetic background" for genetically modified mice for use as models of human disease. They are the most widely used and best-selling mouse strain due to the availability of congenic strains, easy breeding, and robustness.[1]

The median lifespan of C57BL/6 mice is 27–29 months and the maximum lifespan is about 36 months.[2]

  1. ^ Engber, Daniel (17 November 2011). "The Trouble With Black-6: A tiny alcoholic takes over the lab". Slate.com.
  2. ^ "The C57BL 6 (Black 6) Mouse Strain". Lifespan.io. Retrieved 27 July 2023.