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GloFish are Zebra
Danios that have been genetically
altered by introducing the DNA of a sea anemone. GloFish are
currently available in red, yellow and green but only in locations
permitted by law. Canada and California have prohibited them.
GloFish are identical in behavior to
Zebra Danios.
Zebra Danios originally come from India. They are an excellent
beginning fish for aquarists because of their hardiness and the ease with
which they breed. They like to swim in schools and are very
active. They eat flake foods.
| Scientific Name: |
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Danio rerio,
genetically altered |
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| Family: |
Cyprinid |
| Temperature: |
18 - 28
C; 64 - 82 F |
| PH |
7 |
| Size: |
6 cm; 2.5 inches |
| Life Span: |
5 - 7 years |
| Breeding: |
Easy, Egg Layer |
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Compatibility:
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Bettas,
Barbs,
Catfish, Chinese Algae Eater, Clown Loach, Gouramis, Molly, Platy, Plecos,
Rainbows, Red Tailed Shark, Swordtail
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See below for further information on the best method of
displaying GloFish and Frequently Asked Questions about them.
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DISPLAY
GloFish™ fluorescent fish absorb light and then re-emit it. These never
quite match the colors shown on the GloFish.com web site. For best
results, they suggest the following:
Daytime Viewing – A traditional white aquarium light (such as a
fluorescent or halogen light) is ideal for daytime use. Because GloFish™
fluorescent fish absorb light and re-emit it, the fish's color will appear
brighter and more vibrant as the amount of light used is increased. White gravel
will further deepen the color since the reflective white color of the gravel
will increase the overall amount of light in the tank.
Nighttime Viewing – Although a black light can cause these fish to
glow, our experience has shown that the diffusion of light in the water does not
create a worthwhile effect. We don't recommend the purchase of a black
light.
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FAQ
To help address some common curiosities about
GloFish™ fluorescent fish, the following information is
provided:
Where do GloFish™ fluorescent zebra fish come
from?
How common is the use of fluorescent zebra fish in science?
How exactly do fluorescent zebra fish help in the fight against
pollution?
What are the differences between fluorescent zebra fish and other
zebra fish?
Do fluorescent fish glow?
Does the fluorescence harm the fish?
Do you have to add a fluorescence gene to each fish before it
hatches?
What will happen if a fluorescent zebra fish escapes into the
waterways?
What if a fluorescent zebra fish is eaten by another animal in
the wild?
What will happen to me if I eat one of these fish?
Where do fluorescent zebra fish come from?
Fluorescent zebra fish were specially bred to help detect environmental
pollutants. By adding a natural fluorescence gene to the fish, scientists will
be able to quickly and easily determine when our waterways are contaminated. The
first step in developing these pollution detecting fish was to create fish that
would be fluorescent all the time. It was only recently that scientists realized
the public's interest in sharing the benefits of this research.
How common is the use of fluorescent zebra fish in
science?
For over a decade, fluorescent zebra fish have been relied upon by scientists
worldwide to better understand important questions in genetics, molecular
biology, and vertebrate development. Fluorescent zebra fish have been
particularly helpful in understanding cellular disease and development, as well
as cancer and gene therapy.
How exactly do fluorescent zebra fish help in the fight
against pollution?
To achieve their goal, scientists are in the process of adding a
"switch" that will cause the always fluorescing zebra fish to
selectively fluoresce in the presence of environmental toxins. A non-fluorescing
fish will signal that the water is safe, while a fluorescing fish will signal
trouble. Although these fish are not currently available, scientists hope to
complete this work soon. To help further the research, a portion of the proceeds
from sales of all GloFish™ fluorescent fish goes directly to the lab where
these fish were created.
What are the differences between fluorescent zebra
fish and other zebra fish?
Aside from their brilliant color, fluorescent zebra fish are the same as
other zebra fish in every way. This includes everything from general care and
temperature preferences to growth rate and life expectancy.
Do fluorescent fish glow?
Fluorescent fish absorb light and then re-emit it. This creates the
perception that they are glowing.
Does the fluorescence harm the fish?
No. The fish are as healthy as other zebra fish in every way. Scientists
originally developed them several years ago by adding a natural fluorescence
gene to the fish eggs before they hatched. Today's GloFish™ fluorescent fish
are bred from the offspring of these original fish.
Do you have to add a fluorescence gene to every fish
before it hatches?
No. Today's GloFish™ fluorescent fish are bred from the offspring of
fluorescent zebra fish that were originally developed several years ago to help
fight environmental pollution. Each new GloFish™ fluorescent fish inherits its
unique color directly from its parents, maintains the color throughout its life,
and also passes the color along to its offspring.
What will happen if a fluorescent zebra fish
escapes into the waterways?
Zebra fish are tropical fish and are unable to survive in non-tropical
environments. They have been sold to pet owners worldwide for more than fifty
years. Despite all these years of aquarium ownership, zebra fish are only found
in tropical environments, such as their native India. However, it is important
to remember that GloFish™ fluorescent fish are intended for use as aquarium
fish only, and should never be intentionally released into the wild.
What if a fluorescent zebra fish is eaten in the
wild by another animal?
For an animal in the wild, eating a fluorescent zebra fish is the same as
eating any other zebra fish. Their fluorescence is derived from a gene that is
already found in nature and is completely safe for the environment. Just as
eating a blue fish would not turn a predator blue, eating a fluorescent fish
would not make a predator fluoresce. However, please remember that fluorescent
zebra fish are NOT intended for human consumption.
What will happen to me if I eat one of these
fish?
Fluorescent zebra fish, like all ornamental fish, are NOT intended for human
consumption; they should never be eaten.
Tropical fish and aquarium information about freshwater species, fish care,
fish facts, compatibility and aquarium maintenance.
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