Genetically modified Angelfishes

[DiscusKev]

Glowing examples of innovative biotechnology.

Fluorescent angelfish in a Taiwan laboratory.

The Jy Lin Company, Taiwan's largest exporter of ornamental fish, has for the first time, successfully inserted a fluorescent protein gene into the reproductive organs of medium-sized fish, allowing them to produce radiant offspring.

Company spokesman Lin Yu-Ho, explains how the process works for this particular fish family.

[Lin Yu-Ho, Jy Lin Company]:
"With the medium-sized cichlid fish, its biological cycle cannot be controlled by artificial lighting, plus the low number of fertilized eggs makes collection a challenge. It will take a very long time with the micro-injection method. For species like these, we deployed the method of reproductive organ electroporation. We inject fluorescent genes into the reproductive organs and leave the male and female fish to reproduce on their own, and then they can give birth to fluorescent babies."

Electroporation is a process whereby an electrical pulse creates passages through cell walls for the transplantation of foreign molecules, in this case the fluorescent protein gene.

The shining new breed of fish took over three years and almost 320,000 US dollars to develop.

And it will take some time and safety tests before discerning aquarium-fish lovers can dive in and buy their very own glow-in-the-dark angelfish.

Why did they even bother investing such a huge sum of money into this ,as 'true' hobbiest would be reluctant to buy such fish. However, I have to admit it is an interesting 'product [the fish] development'...1:34 They have the body shape of Bulldog Discus!

let me know your thoughts.

[Jennie]

Many altums have this same shape in the forehead and I find domestic males also exhibit this, otherwise the fish is hideous..

[vera]

Why dont they leave all the "shining" for plastic toys or Xmas decor , i like to read innovations and researches , but this one just doesnt make sense IMO

[Jennie]

vera, just like glo fish, people will buy these too!

[vera]

oh yeah , the money making just like the parrotfish , yak

[Yogesh]

Ridiculous!

[CrazyAngels]

I love angels, but this is not right, I love working with them to give up their gene pool in the spawn, but not altering it to make them into glofish.

Jorge

[inmisawa]

Future medical applications?!

[mathao]

freaky, and inconsiderate for life of an animal, they should inject themselves with this. I would like to see some glow in the dark humans walking down the street too.

[Ed13]

These "glow" animals are by-products of research from the genetics and medical fields. There is/was important and valid reasons when scientists starting creating them a while back, and it's not just fish. Sadly, they are now being marketed for the trade departing from the "important and valid" reasons.

You have to think, that the way they are created might not just let the flourescent genes into their cells. Who knows what then they may carry.

Quick search through Youtube.com. NOT just fish either:






The transparent frog which still has scientific implications

[Jennie]

Not buying the excuse to create glo cats as a means to help endangered species..pathetic

[vera]

always a lame excuse to cover up a commercial use ..

[DiscusKev]

Transparent humans, gosh that would be disgusting and would be a violation to the public, glad we wear cloths!

[mathao]

the saddest thing is that there is people out there who would buy this stuff.

[mkv]

Well....... things we do to make a buck.....