GloFish
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(Redirected from Glofish)
The GloFish is the trademarked name of a genetically modified version of the Zebra Danio, or Zebra Fish. It was originally created to help detect pollutants in rivers.
| Glofish | |
| |
| Glofish | |
| Species | Danio rerio (Genetically modified) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Min. Tank Size | 75.708 liters 75,708.236 mL 20 US Gallons (75.7L) |
| Size | 7.62 cm
2-3 " (5.1-7.6cm) |
| pH | 6.5 - 7 |
| Temp. | 291.483 K 18.333 °C 524.67 °R 297.039 K |
| Water Hardness |
6-10 |
| Stocking Ratio | 2:3 M:F |
| Availability | Uncommon |
| Diet |
Omnivore
|
| Life Span |
3-5 years |
Contents |
[edit] Alternative names
- GloFish are sometimes sold under the name "Red Danios,Green Danios, and Orange Danios."
[edit] Coloration
- GloFish were created from Zebra Danios and have the same body shape and type of horizontal striping. However, a gene from a sea anemone has been inserted to alter the fish's color.
- There are two color morphs. One, created from Gold Zebra Danios, is bright red/orange throughout the body of the fish with light golden stripes. The other morph, created from the normal Zebra Danio, has black stripes on its sides, with the red/orange fluorescent color on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the fish. The metallic stripes on this morph seem to be more orange/red than on the gold morph.
- GloFish are fluorescent. Under natural sunlight, they are an attractive red. Under incandenscent light, they are a brilliant orange. They glow under blacklight in a completely dark room, but only faintly when under blacklight in a partially lit room. A high-quality blacklight helps, as a low-quality blacklight emits too much visible light, which may swamp out the fluorescent glow. Both morphs fluoresce.
[edit] Sexing
- Unlike Zebra Danios, male and female GloFish are both virtually the same color, and so they must be differentiated by body shape. Sexing is difficult with juvenile fish. Males have a streamlined shape. Adult females develop a "paunch" as they mature, identical to that displayed by female Zebra Danios. Females also have a brighter gold tone to their metallic stripes, but this is difficult to discern without direct comparison to male fish.
[edit] Breeding
- Glofish are genetically modified animals, and patented by Yorktown Technologies, Inc. Intentional breeding of Glofish is currently prohibited. [1]
- Aside from their colour, Glofish are identical to Zebra Danios and can interbreed with them. They are spawning fish (usually in the morning), and sexually mature Glofish will spawn in a community tank with little encouragement. The parents will eat the eggs and fry if not removed. Signs of pregnancy is hard to notice. They usually just look slightly fatter than normal.
[edit] Tank compatibility
- This is a peaceful fish and should be housed with other peaceful fish. They will chase one another and other fish, but rarely inflict injury.
[edit] Environment Specifics
- Identical to that of Zebra Danios. They are active swimmers that enjoy planted tanks and a moderate current (as from a filter or airstone). The tank should be covered with a hood to prevent the fish from possibly jumping out.
- Despite the fact that GloFish are very attractive under blacklight, they should not be kept under blacklight all night. As with any other fish, the lights should be turned off at night to give them a period of darkness.
[edit] Behaviour
- No differences between GloFish and Zebra Danios has been observed, aside from their coloration. They are shoaling fish, which should be kept in groups of three or more; like Zebra Danios, they find security in numbers and can become neurotic if alone. For best color, keep them in schools of six or more.
[edit] Feeding
- Standard tropical flake food is sufficient for their staple food, and should be fed in small batches 2 - 3 times per day. GloFish will take food off the water surface, or pick it out of the water as it falls. Bloodworms are highly desired by GloFish, as are any other live or frozen foods. They will also take freeze-dried shrimp. Any food other than live or frozen foods should be crushed slightly, as GloFish are small, and too impatient to chew at large pieces. Feed them a variety for best health, always feeding the staple flakes first.
[edit] Special Note
- These fish are illegal to import or sell in many countries (such as the United Kingdom) due to the restrictions of genetically modified animals. However a few irresponsible pet shop keepers are attempting to sell these GM pets and if caught the fish owners will find their pets confiscated and destroyed. The shop owners will be fined and possibly given a prison sentence. [2]
[edit] Pictures
 Red GloFish |
 Green Glofish |
 Mixed Glofish |
[edit] Videos
