Glofish is a genetically produced luminus fish made from species such as the Betta, the Tetra or the Rainbow Shark. Continue reading for fun facts, care, prices and more.
What is a Glofish?
GloFish is a genetically produced luminous fish.
They are manufactured from various species of fish such as the zebrafish (Danio rerio) which were the first GloFish that became available to the public for purchasing.
The more recently created fish are the tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi), tiger barbs (Puntius tetrazona), Siamese fightahs (Betta splendens), Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum) and lastly, Bronzies.
GloFish are a kind of Danio, Tetra, Shark or Betta, and their care requirements are comparable to those of their originated type.
How are they made?
GloFish are a group of freshwater species that have been genetically engineered with fluorescent protein genes.
The National University of Singapore created the first genetically modified fish by adding genes for red and green fluorescent proteins from sea anemones and jellyfish into wild zebrafish.
They were created to investigate genetics and identify certain toxins in water, but their brilliant look made them a popular addition to the aquarium fish market.
These particular fluorescent genes allow the GloFish to shine brightly under blue light and have no effect on their quality of life.
The genes have been inserted inside the genetic code of each fish, allowing them to be handed down from generation to generation. These genes create fluorescing proteins, which give Glofish their glow.
How it works: Glofish absorb a certain wavelength of light and then re-emit it, giving them their glowing look. Blue LED, actinic, and black lights can be used to enhance their hue.
Fluorescent fish have been particularly helpful in understanding cellular disease and development, as well as cancer and gene therapy for almost two decades.
Glofish are not available everywhere owing to legal concerns about their genetically engineered form. Independent research is required to see if Glofish are legal in your country or state.
Lifespan, Size & Colors
Glofish are named from their luminous coloring. They are available in a wide spectrum of fluorescent hues, including red, pink, orange, green, blue, and purple.
Sunburst Orange, Cosmic Blue, Galactic Purple, Starfire Red, Electric Green, and Moonrise Pink are the names of these mentioned hues. Not all species are available in the same color.
Lifespan varies per species, but these fish live for around 3-5 years on average.
Betta fish typically live for 2-3 years while some hobbyists have reported having rainbow sharks for up to 13 years.
Glofish care
Tank Size
The size of the habitat should be determined by the mature size of the species and the number of fish kept in the aquarium.
Glofish may be effectively kept in tanks ranging from 5 gallons for the little Zebra fish to 20 gallons for numerous Glofish species.
Most GloFish, on the other hand, are quite active and require 20 to 40 gallon aquariums or more.
A thing to take into consideration is that the blue light, if added to the tank, does not assist in the growth of any aquarium plants. In this case aquarium decorations and artificial plants should be added to assist in keeping the water cleaner, the fish healthier and less aggressive.
Water Condition & Temperature
Water quality is critical in keeping a successful fish tank.
It is important to use conditioned water in the tank. This removes any pollutants or chlorine in the water that might damage the fish.
Filtration is a must for maintaining ideal water quality and for protecting the wellness of the fish. Glofish are found in environments with high water oxygen levels, hence water circulation should be given to provide high oxygen levels in the water.
Stable pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and water temperature levels are essential for the health of any aquatic ecosystem. Water quality should be kept according to the standards of a freshwater tank.
The Glofish with the exception of Danios are tropical fish and therefore they require a heater that provides temperatures ranging from 75-80°F (24-27°C), in order to survive and to thrive.
In lower temperatures, the fish will become ill from being too cold and develop stress.
Therefore, test the water quality in your tank on a regular basis.
Diet
Glofish can be given a varied diet of pellets, flakes, and frozen or freeze-dried foods.
Carotenoids and beta carotene-rich diets may aid in the coloring of your Glofish. Once or twice a day, feed your fish little amounts of food.
Only feed your fish enough food to ensure that they devour all food items within 1-2 minutes of being fed. Before feeding, thaw frozen meals.
Betta fish, love to eat from the water's surface, therefore floating betta pellets, freeze-dried meals, and frozen foods are suggested.
Personality & Compatibility
Danios, tetras, and barbs are schooling fish. This means that they require atleast 4-6 fish of the same kind in order to co-exist, reduce hostility and make them feel relaxed.
Different hues are accepted, so you might construct a school of six with one tetra of each color.
Tiger barbs are a semi-aggressive fish. They are prone to attacking other varieties of GloFish. GloFish's frenetic mobility may upset more sedate tank mates; keep them with other species that are similarly energetic. Introduce new aquarium dwellers gradually.
As mentioned above most GloFish require company, with the exception of the GloFish Shark and GloFish Betta.
Because of their violent temperament, sharks and bettas should be maintained apart. Sharks are territorial, so it is preferable to have only one GloFish Shark per aquarium, and they should be the final fish added to the tank.
Avoid overcrowding since it is a major source of stress and sickness.
Health Concerns to look for
If you notice any of the below signs, contact your fish veterinarian as this can mean that your fish is sick:
- Color loss or loss of appetite
- Spots of fungus on the body or in the mouth
- Breathing effort
- Cloudy vision
- Loss of weight
- Bloating
- Fins that have frayed
- Swimming that is erratic
- Listlessness
How much do they cost?
GloFish are more expensive than their regular-colored cousins.
Their starting price is $6.49 for a GloFish danio and it can range up to $24.99 for a premium GloFish betta.
Footnote:
Glofish make excellent pets for both adults and children. Glofish are an excellent alternative for a new freshwater tank if you want a pet fish with brilliant colors.
Please note that many fish can pose a threat to certain ecosystems if they escape in the wild, because they compete with native fish or pray on them.
An example of that threat is the genetically modified zebrafish (glofish) which was found in creeks throughout the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You can read more in this article from news.mongabay.com.
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