glofish

GloFish are a type of genetically modified ornamental fish that exhibit a fluorescent glow under specific lighting conditions. The most common varieties are based on the zebrafish and tetra species, with additional types developed from the barb and betta. These fish were originally created by scientists in Singapore using genes from bioluminescent marine organisms like jellyfish and sea anemones. The introduced genes cause the fish to produce fluorescent proteins, making them appear brightly colored when illuminated by a blue or black light.

The development of GloFish was initially intended for scientific research, particularly to create a biological indicator for detecting pollutants in water. However, the unique aesthetic appeal of the fluorescent fish led to their commercialization as pets. They are now widely available in pet stores and are popular among aquarium enthusiasts. GloFish are bred for their vibrant colors, which can include red, green, blue, yellow, orange, and purple.

Concerns have been raised by some environmental groups regarding the potential ecological impact of GloFish if they were to be released into natural waterways. However, proponents argue that their genetic modifications make them unlikely to survive in the wild and that they are primarily bred in controlled environments. GloFish are generally considered safe for home aquariums and are bred to be hardy and easy to care for, similar to their non-genetically modified counterparts.