The high frequency of chromosomal nondisjunction in human germ cells impacts society in many ways. Yet, the etiology of chromosome disorders remains unclear. Using a zebrafish strain with a hypomorphic mutation in the kinase Mps1, a genetic association between reduced germ cell mitotic checkpoint activity and aneuploid progeny was recently established. This work highlights the exquisite sensitivity of vertebrate germ cells to disruptions in Mps1 function and mitotic checkpoint activity. In addition, it introduces the zebrafish as a promising tool with which to further investigate the origins of aneuploidy.