Genetically-altered
pets could be swimming into some American homes by Monday.
Q: Some homes?
A: The fish have been banned in California.
Q: Why?
A: Regulators fear that they could escape from aquariums into the
wild and harm native populations.
Q: What is this strange breed?
A: The bright red fluorescent creatures go by the trademark name of GloFish.
Q: How were they created?
A: Researchers at the University of Singapore spliced a sea anemone gene into a common black and white zebra fish. In doing so they made a freshwater fish with the colour of a tropical saltwater reef dweller. In a dark room under ultraviolet light, the fish appear to glow.
Q: Why were they created?
A: They were originally developed to provide visual markers in polluted areas. Scientists from Yorktown Technologies, the Texas-based company that has the licence to market the biotech fish, realised it could also be a high earner in the highly lucrative ornamental fish industry. Yet the ban in California means the ''product'' is excluded from one of the country's largest markets. Florida, home to two companies that grow the fish, is trying to persuade the California Fish and Game Commission to change its mind.
Q: Any chance of that happening?
A: It's unlikely but still possible. Critics, who have dubbed the
creatures ''Frankenfish'', have fought a successful campaign so far to
keep the fish out.
The stakes, however,
are high.
Q: In what way?
A: Supporters hope approval under California's strict standards will convince other states and consumers that the fish are safe if they are flushed down the toilet or eaten by a cat or an inquisitive toddler. If California says yes, the floodgates will be open.
Q: And lots of little Frankenfish will swim through?
A: As sure as fish eggs
are caviar.
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