GloFish are unique creatures with vivid colors that will brighten up any tank. Scientists created them to help with environmental studies, but they have quickly gained popularity in home aquariums. With their unique appearance, it’s easy to see why GloFish are so desired, but they are also controversial. If you want to know more, dive into this essential list of five things you need to know about GloFish.
1. GloFish Is a Registered Trademark
GloFish is a registered trademark, meaning only the owner and its affiliates can legally sell and breed them. It may seem strange to trademark a fish, but these unique aquatic creatures are genetically modified and differ from other species. Scientists originally produced them to help with research because their unique colors helped them detect environmental changes and water pollution.
GloFish have existed for 20 years and are often confused with dyed fish. Some owners inject dye into their fish to bring out their natural colors. But injecting fish with dye is unethical, and the fish will not pass on the color to its offspring. GloFish, on the other hand, have brightly colored offspring because their color comes from permanent genetic changes.
The unique color of GloFish comes from naturally occurring fluorescent proteins injected into young fish. The protein integrates into their DNA, causing a color change, and they pass the changes onto their offspring. GloFish absorb light and then re-emit it, giving them their distinctive glow. Blue LEDs, black lights, and actinic lights are the best lights to bring out their vibrant colors.
2. There Are Many Types of GloFish
There are several types of GloFish, including Corydoras and Tetras, and color aside, they share the same features as their non-glowing counterparts. As with standard fish, you should choose a suitable GloFish species compatible with your aquarium. You must consider tank size, water parameters, and current inhabitants to find the most suitable GloFish for your setup. Some GloFish are a schooling species, so you may need to keep a small group of at least three. You should also know that GloFish are freshwater fish and aren’t suitable for saltwater aquariums.
Finding a suitable GloFish for your tank is easy because there are many to choose from. Here’s a full list of GloFish species:
- Corys
- Pristella
- Tetras, including the long-finned variety
- Danios
- Angelfish
- Barbs
- Sharks
GloFish are unique creatures to add to your tank, and you won’t find any wild creatures with their distinctive colors. Even the GloFish colors are patent-protected, and they include:
- Starfire Red
- Electric Green
- Sunburst Orange
- Moonrise Pink
- Cosmic Blue
- Galactic Purple
3. GloFish Are Controversial Pets
GloFish are controversial because they are genetically modified. Many aquarists, especially experienced ones, prefer a natural-looking aquarium and scoff at the idea of keeping genetically modified fish.
Another concern about GloFish is that they may endanger wild fish populations and the ecosystem. Technically, you should only find GloFish in captivity, but domestic fish often find their way into ponds and streams. GloFish Zebra Danios appeared in rivers in Brazil last year. If GloFish breed with fish in the wild, their brightly colored offspring will find it hard to hunt and hide from predators – putting wild fish populations at risk. GloFish producers claim that the fish can’t breed in the wild, but Zebra Danio GloFish populations in Brazil seem to be increasing.
GloFish are Illegal in the UK and Europe because they are genetically modified and pose a risk to the environment. Genetically modified fish in general are illegal for commercial sale in Europe. Things are different in the USA and Canada, where GloFish are legal. The US FDA doesn’t regulate GloFish – and in Canada, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act regulates their distribution.
4. GloFish Do Not Need Specialized Care
GloFish have the same care needs as other fish and are as healthy as their natural-looking counterparts. In perfect conditions, they will live for three to eight years. These unique fish are hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for first-time aquarium owners.
If you want healthy GloFish, you must ensure they have enough space and avoid keeping them in an overcrowded tank. You must also provide environmental enrichment, such as aquarium plants, where they can hide and shelter. GloFish are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen food, with blanched veggies as an occasional treat. You can also feed them a GloFish formula to bring out their colors or foods high in carotenoids or beta carotene.
GloFish, like any other species, need a stable, clean environment and are susceptible to the same common fish diseases as their non-glowing counterparts. You can prevent illness by regularly testing aquarium water and following a rigorous cleaning and maintenance schedule. You must also install an adequate filtration system and tank thermometers to monitor water temperature.
5. Suitable Tankmates Depend on the GloFish’s Species
The best tankmates for GloFish depend on the species, and you must research their compatibility with other tankmates before adding them to an aquarium. As a rule, you should keep fish with others of a similar size and nature. Keeping incompatible species together will result in bullying, which is incredibly stressful for fish and can result in death. Overcrowding also plays a massive factor in bullying, so don’t keep too many fish in a tank.
GloFish Sharks are semi-aggressive, so you should only keep one in an aquarium. They may prey on small, peaceful species. The best tankmates for GloFish Sharks include Tetras, Danios, and Barbs. GloFish Barbs are a schooling species and must be in a large group, or they will become aggressive toward each other. Ideally, you need at least five barbs in a tank to prevent them from becoming aggressive. GloFish Danios and Tetra species also like to live in groups of at least three but are less likely to be hostile in smaller numbers.
