GloFish™ fluorescent fish are beautiful and unique fish that were originally bred to
help detect environmental pollutants. It was only recently that scientists realized
the public’s interest in sharing the benefits of this research. GloFish™ fluorescent
fish are safe for the environment and make wonderful pets for new hobbyists and
experienced enthusiasts alike.
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 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.
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.
How common is the use of fluorescent zebra fish in science?
For over a decade, fluorescent zebra fish have been relied upon by scientists worldwide to better
understand important questions in genetics, molecular biology, and vertebrate development.
Fluorescent zebra fish have been particularly helpful in understanding cellular disease and development,
as well as cancer and gene therapy.
Exactly how is the fluorescent protein gene added to the fish?
Every line of GloFish® fluorescent starts with a single fish. The process, illustrated in the chart below,
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.