Log-in or register your account to remove these ads! Its free and an e-mail isn't required.
GloFish
From The Aquarium Wiki
(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.[1]
| Glofish | |
| |
| Glofish | |
| Species | Danio rerio (Genetically modified) |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| 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) |
| sg | Freshwater |
| pH | 6.5 - 7 |
| Temp. | 291.483 K 18.333 °C 524.67 °R 297.039 K |
| Water Hardness |
6-10 °d |
| Stocking Ratio | 2:3 M:F |
| Availability | Uncommon |
| Diet |
Omnivore
|
| Life Span |
3-5 years |
| Habitat | |
| This animal is available captive bred | |
Contents |
[edit] Alternative names
- GloFish are sometimes sold under the name "Red Danios,Green Danios, and Orange Danios." The trademark names are: Starfire Red™, Electric Green™, and Sunburst Orange™.
[edit] Colouration
- 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 colour.
- There are two colour 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 colour 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 incandescent 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 colour, 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. [2]
- 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.
[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. Should not be kept with slow-moving long-finned fish as they may be nipped or bothered by the this fish's active nature.
[edit] Environment Specifics
- Identical to that of Zebra Danios. They are active swimmers that enjoy long planted tanks and a moderate current (as from a filter or powerhead). 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. Long-term exposure to blacklight can be stressful for the fish.
[edit] Behaviour
- No differences between GloFish and Zebra Danios has been observed, aside from their colouration. 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 colour, 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] Legality
- 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 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. [3]
- Genetically modified fish are illegal in California, probably because they could affect ecosystems. Despite Glofish receiving an approval from the FDA for not being any kind of threat, the company is unsure at this point if they will take the costly legal route of fighting to make them available at this time. [4]
- Canada, Australia, and Europe also has a ban on GloFish. Each prohibit the marketing of any genetically modified organisms, including tropical fluorescent Zebra fish, until they are cleared through an complex and costly review process. [5] [6]
- The company that produces GloFish has a number of terms and conditions of the ownership of these fish - See License
[edit] Pictures
 Red GloFish |
 Green Glofish |
 Mixed Glofish |
[edit] Videos
[edit] References:
- ↑ Glofish.com
- ↑ Glofish Official Licence
- ↑ PFK Article on GM Fish
- ↑ GloFish in California on Glofish.com
- ↑ CBC
- ↑ CEPA
