Glofish. Genetically modded Zebra Danios

[cybergoldfish]

So they glow if the water is polluted? Anyone else troubled by this? Wouldn't it encourage bad fishkeeping practices, not cleaning out the water enough?

 

[OohFeeshy]

I think they 'glow' anyway, they were trying to make one that only glowed in polluted water, but ended up with this.

 

[cybergoldfish]

Oh, okay...

 

[Discomafia]

Do you mean polluted water in nature like sewers and that kinda stuff, or polluted water in home aquariums? Either way, I'm sure any fish won't like living in polluted water. I admit it isn't as bad as dyed fish as they don't use needles and the such, but IMO I don't think we should mess with nature.

 

[Gill]

Ok

To Clear up some Confusion.

The "Glo" Danios were developed by scientists in Japan to be used in Water treatment plants. There are 3 Strains, Each strain has been programmed to Glow a different Color depending on the Pollutants in the Water. They have used Specific Jellyfish Genes that are known to Change in Color when a Pollutant is Added to the water.

They are:

RED
GREEN
BLUE

HTH


They are Very Unique fish with a Significant Industrial Value. Also Wicked Colors.

I am Sure they are now Developing Strains Specifically for future use in the Hobby and for Larger Aquariums and Public Displays. AS Signifiers to possible Increases in Nitrates Nitrites Ammonia Etc........

 

[redtailblackshark]

thats is so cool! this is my favorite pic:

 

[amazingbioloboydp]

Are the glowfish born that colour???

No they are not, in fact they are also sterile so if they get out they cannot take over the enviornment...

I think they rock, they arent a threat to the general wild fish society, and are not cruelly injected,bring em on!

 

[pica_nuttalli]

actually, i'm pretty positive that they aren't fully steril. i think the website said they just have a reduced ability to breed in comparison to standard danios.

i imagine that would be a lot of fun to have a low-light tank of java fern, plecos, and a big school of glowfish. just expensive... of course, a tank of just pleckolitas is expensive anyways... what's another $50 on a thousand?

--EDIT--
also, on the "glowing from pollution" subject:
i read the entire thread that opcn linked and from what i gleaned, its not that the fish glow when the water is polluted -- they stop glowing.

the pollutants in question also aren't what we fish-keepers think of as water polluntants, but far more environmentally detrimental substances such as PCBs, fertilizer run-offs, etc. remember, these were engineered to help monitor human drinking water sources and not aquariums. its a part of nature for traces of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate to appear in a system.

the glowfish actually make better monitors of pollution than electronic devices because fish and amphibians are extremely sensitive to water contamination (fish being hardier and easier to maintain in quantity). now instead of using delicate fish and watching for deaths to signal water quality issues, the sturdy danio can just be monitored for its strength of color!

 

[Dorkhedeos]

just buy them if you like, i think they are cool, but i cant find any around. for those who think this is wrong, wouldnt you want to have a gene that makes you look better or make you extra strong? well, i would want a gene that makes me turn green and buff.

 

[Jezah]

Actually they are supposedly sterile because they are patented and so the makers dont want anybody else breeding and selling them.