Bright -colored fish that make their rounds in the aquarium are a special sight. But some aquarists are not yet colorful enough for the natural color variants: they rely on genetically modified ornamental fish that shine fluorescent. Although these are prohibited in the European Union, several copies have now been ensured in Germany. The Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety has therefore given an official warning. But what are the dangers of colorful fish?
Many decorative fish are popular primarily because of their bright colors, including guppies, paradise and neon fish. But although many conventional breeds already have brightly illuminating colors or colorful color mixtures, this is obviously not enough for some aquarists. They buy special genetically modified ornamental fish that shine particularly colorful and even fluorescent.
Glowing aquariums for over 20 years
The first genetically modified ornamental fish were developed in Taiwan and approved there in 2003. It was a shining Japanese pegs in the dark, which were marketed under the name TK-1. A little later there were also the first transgenic fish in the USA: fluorescent zebrafische with the brand name “Glofish”. But there was still no end. In the meantime, there are also fluorescent mantial mantelsalmlers, sumatrabarben, fringe lipper, star flexor, metal armor, green fringe lip and Siamese combat fish – each in up to eight different colors. Sequel follows.
The intense colors of the fish come about by inserting non-species genes for fluorescence proteins into their genetic material. These usually only occur in naturally shining animals such as fireflies, jellyfish or lake anemones. The proteins shine permanently at the glofish and are particularly clearly visible under UV light.
Banned in the EU
In the European Union, however, such genetically modified ornamental fish are prohibited. Because attitude, breeding and distribution of genetically manipulated animals are classified in this country and in the EU as so -called genetic engineering work, which may only be held or maintained in special systems – but not in private aquariums. Animals that have been genetically changed may only be sold after appropriate approval, which has not yet been the case with transgenic decorative fishing. Anyone who keeps or sells such genetically manipulated ornaments must therefore expect legal consequences in this country.
Nevertheless, in the past, transgenic decorative fish have appeared in various EU member states and there is now a new case in Germany. I have been proven to be genetically modified in the colors in the colors orange, pink, green, yellow and yellow-green, which were discovered in private attitude. The Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety therefore officially warns again of the purchase of such animals. In addition to animal welfare and ethical concerns, there is a risk that the fish will get into the wild, cross with domestic species and cause ecological damage.
Source: Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL)
