GloFish

GloFish (English glow fish = " luminous fish") is the brand name for three genetically modified fish species ( zebrafish ( Danio rerio), tiger barb and Trauermantelsalmler ) that fluoresce as a result of a genetic intervention. Rights owner and breeder is the U.S. company Yorktown Technologies.

1999 for the green fluorescent protein (GFP) -encoding gene from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria was cloned into the genome of zebrafish at the National University of Singapore. The so- genetically modified fish fluoresce in daylight or artificial light. The original purely scientific approach was to create a model organism with which water quality can be monitored by fluorescence changes. Later came as variants nor the colors red - from the genome of a coral - and yellow from another jellyfish gene added. The so- genetically modified zebrafish came in 2004 as pets in the trade. It is the first genetically modified animals, which are available as a pet.

In the European Union and in Canada the sale and breeding of genetically modified animals is prohibited. 2007 appeared for the first time of illegally imported fluorescent zebrafish in Germany.

The distribution of fish is in the U.S., however, possible without permission. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) expressed no concerns about the environmental impact and a possible risk to public health, since ornamental fish are not intended for consumption. Exception is the State of California, in the trade and possession of genetically modified fish - were prohibited before launch of the GloFish - due to the high volume of genetically modified salmon. An exemption from this rule was indeed considered, but only under the condition of costly safety tests. The rights holder has this possibility has not been perceived for financial reasons.

Trivia

In the TV series The Big Bang Theory develops the main character Dr. Sheldon Cooper - due to mental underload - glowing fish as a night light replacement. The idea and comprehensive sales plans, however, dismissed by his environment as ludicrously.