ABOUT GLOFISH® FLUORESCENT FISH

Sumber:www.glofish.com

GloFish® are brilliantly wonderful fish that add color and excitement to any aquarium, whether at home or the office, or in classrooms.

GloFish are similar to other zebrafish, except they have a much brighter disposition. GloFish are available for purchase in three stunningly beautiful colors: Starfire Red™, Electric Green™, and Sunburst Orange™.

Today's GloFish® fluorescent fish are bred from the offspring of fluorescent zebrafish that were originally developed several years ago. Each new GloFish® fluorescent fish inherits its unique color directly from its parents, maintains the color throughout its life, and passes the color along to its offspring.




Want to know more about GloFish? Click on a topic to learn more:



The Science of GloFish®

Where do GloFish® fluorescent zebrafish come from?
GloFish® fluorescent zebrafish were originally bred to help detect environmental pollutants. By adding a natural fluorescence gene to the fish, scientists hoped to one day quickly and easily determine when a waterway is contaminated. The first step in developing a pollution-detecting fish was to create fish that would be fluorescent all the time. Scientists soon realized the public's interest in sharing the benefits of this research, a process which lead to GloFish® fluorescent fish.

How common is the use of fluorescent zebrafish in science?
For over a decade, fluorescent zebrafish have been relied upon by scientists worldwide to better understand important questions in genetics, molecular biology, and vertebrate development. Fluorescent zebrafish have been particularly helpful in understanding cellular disease and development, as well as cancer and gene therapy.

Where does the fluorescent color come from?
The fluorescent color in our fish is produced by a fluorescent protein gene, which creates the beautiful fluorescence that can be seen when looking at the fish. The fluorescent protein genes occur naturally, and are derived from marine organisms.

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 zebrafish that were originally developed several years ago. Each new GloFish® fluorescent fish inherits its unique color directly from its parents, maintains the color throughout its life, and passes the color along to its offspring.

How exactly do GloFish® fluorescent zebrafish help in the fight against pollution?
To achieve their goal of helping to fight water pollution, scientists are hoping to one day develop a ‘switch’ that will cause always-fluorescing zebrafish 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. 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. For more information on this project, please review the article entitled “Zebrafish as Pollution Indicators,” by the National University of Singapore.

What are the differences between fluorescent zebrafish and other zebrafish?
Aside from their brilliant color, fluorescent zebrafish are the same as other zebrafish. This includes everything from general care and temperature preferences to growth rate and life expectancy.

Does the fluorescence harm the fish?
No. The fish are as healthy as other zebrafish 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.

Exactly how is the fluorescent protein gene added to the fish?
Every line of GloFish® fluorescent fish (i.e., GloFish® Starfire Red™ Zebra, GloFish® Electric Green™ Zebra, and GloFish® Sunburst Orange™ Zebra) starts with a single fish. The process, illustrated in this chart, begins by adding a fluorescence gene to the fish before it hatches from its egg. Once the gene integrates into the genome (i.e., genetic code) of the embryo, the developing fish will be able to pass the fluorescence gene along to its offspring upon maturity. Because of this, the gene only needs to be added to one embryo; from that point forward, all subsequent fluorescent fish are the result of traditional breeding.

Are you going to create more fluorescent fish?
Scientists all around the world are working with fluorescent fish, whether it's to help protect the environment or come up with new disease-fighting drug therapies. As more fluorescent fish become available, they may be offered for sale to the public.


GloFish® And The Environment

Which federal agencies have reviewed these fish?
We have submitted detailed information regarding our fish to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, which has jurisdiction over biotech animals, as they consider the added gene to be an “animal drug”. Consistent with the findings of scientists worldwide, the FDA, working in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture and United States Fish & Wildlife Service, found no evidence that our fluorescent zebrafish pose any more threat to the environment than wild-type zebrafish. If you would like to read the FDA statement regarding our fish, please click here.

Have any other governmental agencies reviewed GloFish® fluorescent fish?
In addition to the Federal review described above, our fish have been reviewed by various state agencies, including the State of Florida Transgenic Aquatic Species Task Force and the California Department of Fish & Game. In accordance with the findings of the FDA, these reviews have concluded that our fluorescent zebrafish are as safe for the environment as wild-type zebrafish. To review their specific analyses, as well as those of independent third party experts, please see the GloFish® Science section of our website.

What will happen if a GloFish® fluorescent zebrafish escapes into the waterways?
Zebrafish are tropical fish and are unable to survive in non-tropical environments. They have been sold to aquarium owners worldwide for more than fifty years. Despite all these years of widespread distribution, zebrafish are only found in tropical environments, such as their native India. At the same time, please 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 GloFish® fluorescent zebrafish is eaten in the wild by another animal?
For an animal in the wild, eating a fluorescent zebrafish is the same as eating any other zebrafish. 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 will not make a predator fluoresce.

Can humans eat GloFish?
GloFish® fluorescent zebrafish, like all ornamental fish, are not intended for human consumption. Accordingly, GloFish should not be eaten.

How can buying GloFish help in the fight against pollution?
Fluorescent zebrafish have already existed for several years and were originally developed to help fight pollution. By marketing these fish, we will allow people to have their own fluorescent fish while promoting the beneficial scientific goals behind their development. In fact, a portion of the proceeds from sales will go directly to the lab where these fish were created in order to further their research—research we hope will help to protect the environment and save lives.


Caring for GloFish®

Are GloFish® fluorescent zebrafish freshwater fish or saltwater fish?
Like any other zebrafish, GloFish® fluorescent zebrafish are freshwater fish. They should not be placed in a saltwater environment.

Where can I find detailed information about GloFish® fluorescent fish?
In general, guidelines for maintaining a happy and healthy GloFish® fluorescent fish can be found on our GloFish® Care page. Another great general resource for detailed care information about zebrafish is this web site. Remember, our fish are cared for in the exact same way as non-fluorescent zebrafish, so this resource will directly apply to our fish.

Who can I talk with regarding specific questions about my GloFish® fluorescent fish?
If you have specific questions about your particular fish that are not answered in either of the web sites noted above (including concerns about odd behavior and possible illness) the best suggestion we can offer would be to contact your local fish store. They are almost always the best resource for fish-specific questions.

Is my GloFish® fluorescent fish pregnant?
Aside from their color, fluorescent zebrafish are the same as other zebrafish in every way. This includes everything from general care and temperature preferences to growth rate and life expectancy. Accordingly, all females will carry unfertilized eggs upon reaching maturity, resulting in a "pregnant' look.

How can I distinguish between males and females?
Males are longer and more slender around the stomach, while females have a rounded, whitish looking stomach, and carry unfertilized eggs upon reaching maturity. This will often result in a "pregnant" look.

What types of fish are GloFish® compatible with?
Like non-fluorescent zebrafish, our fish are community fish and will "play well" with other fish. However, not all fish are this way, so we generally advise that people check with their local retailer for specific information on whether their existing fish can peacefully co-exist with fluorescent zebrafish. Alternatively, for a partial, but still significant, listing of other community fish, please click here. Please note that zebrafish are listed on this page as “Zebra Danio”.

What should I do if my fish is acting funny?
Like any other animals, fish are individuals with their own unique “personalities”. While their actions may sometimes seem strange to us, there is a relatively wide variety of behaviors that zebrafish can normally display. However, if you have any doubts as to whether your fish’s behavior is normal, please do not hesitate to contact your local fish store, as they are a fantastic resource for fish specific questions.


Properly Displaying GloFish®

Please visit the GloFish display section of our website for more information about the best way to 'Experience the Glo™' of GloFish.


Where to Purchase GloFish®

Where can I buy GloFish® fluorescent fish?
GloFish® fluorescent fish are sold in retail locations across the country. Please click here to visit our GloFish store locator. Because inventories change relatively frequently, please check with your local retailer for details on availability and pricing.

What colors of GloFish® fluorescent fish are currently available?
Our fish are currently available in Starfire Red™, Sunburst Orange™, and Electric Green™. If you would like to see spectacular photos of all three lines together please visit our GloFish® Photos page.

Why are GloFish® the only fluorescent fish that can be sold in the United States?
Because fluorescent fish are unique, their sale is covered by a substantial number of patents and pending patent applications. The providers of GloFish® fluorescent fish, 5-D Tropical and Segrest Farms, are the only distributors that have the necessary licenses to produce and market fluorescent fish within the United States. The production of fluorescent fish by any other party, or the sale of any fluorescent fish not originally distributed by 5-D Tropical or Segrest Farms, is strictly prohibited. For additional information regarding GloFish® fluorescent fish license details please click here.

Are GloFish® fluorescent fish available outside of the United States?
GloFish® fluorescent fish are currently available for purchase only within the United States. We have no plans to ship our fish to other countries at this time, but we will update this web page if this status changes.

Why can’t I buy GloFish® fluorescent fish in Australia, Canada, or Europe?
At present, Australia, Canada, and Europe prohibit the marketing of any genetically modified organisms, including our tropical fluorescent zebrafish, until they are cleared through an extremely complex and costly review process. For now, due to the time, expense, and uncertainty involved with the approval process, we have no plans to submit an application in either Canada or Europe. We have submitted an application in Australia, although we do not have any indication of how long the approval process may last, or what the outcome will be. Please continue to monitor our website for any updates on availability in these areas.

Who can I contact about wholesale opportunities?
For more information about becoming a wholesale or retail provider of our fish, please send us a message through our Contact Page, and we will respond to you as quickly as possible.


GloFish® Marketing and Media

Where can I find some photos of GloFish for my publication?
Please feel free to use any of the photos posted on our GloFish® Photos Page. Please credit the photos to www.glofish.com or simply glofish.com. It is not necessary to contact us for specific permission.

Who can I contact regarding museum or other exhibition displays?
If you are interested in displaying our fish in a public exhibition, we would love to hear from you. Please send us a message through our Contact Page, and we will respond to you as quickly as possible.

For more detailed information on the science behind GloFish® fluorescent fish, please visit our GloFish® Science section.


GloFish Ethics

We realize that the enormous potential of genetic technology carries with it an important responsibility. To help ensure that we use this technology appropriately, we are dedicated to the guiding ethical principles outlined in the GloFish ethics section of our website.


GloFish® in California

You may be wondering why GloFish® fluorescent fish are allowed everywhere in the United States except California.

As many people know, our fish received a positive recommendation from the California Department of Fish and Game in November 2003, and the California Fish & Game Commission voted to move forward with the process of exempting our fish from their ban on biotech aquatic organisms in April 2004. However, we were subsequently advised by Commission attorneys that state law in California would require the completion of a formal ecological review to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act before the Commission could move forward with the approval process. Unfortunately, this review would be extremely expensive, involve procedural uncertainty, and likely take several years to complete.

Due to the excessive cost and time involved in that process, as well as the uncertainty, we have decided not to engage the review. We regret this situation, but unfortunately cannot afford, at this time, to make the enormous investment necessary to perhaps be able to market our fish in California.

If you would like to contact the Commission to make your voice heard regarding this issue, please visit their website at http://www.fgc.ca.gov/contact/contact.asp, or contact them directly by phone at (916) 653-4899, by fax at (916) 653-5040, or by email at fgc@fgc.ca.gov.

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