What are Glofish? Where are you from? Introduction:
The Glofish is a bright, fluorescent, highly visible species of zebrafish. They would definitely be a great addition to any aquarium, whether in your home, classroom, doctor's or dentist's office, children's room or home office. Glofish are genetically engineered fluorescent colored species and are patented and registered.
Oh yes, in my opinion... better try putting a black light on the fish tank after adding the puffer fish. It really lets the colors shine through. Children especially love this!
What are Glofish? Where are you from?Glofish are fluorescent zebrafish. Genetically modified with fluorescent colors. They were developed by scientists to detect contaminated water. They reproduce and inherit the pigmentation of their parents.
Glofish beautifies your aquarium!
Written by AJ Keil
Your freshwater aquarium will look great with these colorful fish. The whole family will enjoy watching these colorful fish swim by. These Glofish are fairly easy to grow and thrive in a warm environment. In general, they are very similar to other ornamental fish and do not require any special care.

How do they "SHINE"?
You'll often see glofish in pet stores, those glow-in-the-dark fish that look familiar to you. There's a reason they sound familiar. They are nothing more than a normal species that has been genetically modified with a fluorescent color.
Glofish are not injected with dyes or artificial coloring, they get their bright colors from their parents, although as mentioned above there is human intervention. If you're looking for the perfect way to add some color to your aquarium, these fish could be for you.
What color are these fish?
GloFish is a freshwater ornamental fish that inherited its bright fluorescent color through breeding. Scientists originally developed them to locate contaminated polluted water.
They wanted them to only fluoresce in contaminated water. also forNODisplay these bright, highly visible colors in uncontaminated water. However, things didn't go the way they wanted.
These bright fish are now available to the public in many different bright colors includingRed Green,orange,blue, purple and pink.Each color has a special name in the Glofish world to better define it, as you can see in the list below:
- Red Star
- electric green
- orange sunbeams
- cosmic blue
- lila galaxie
- rosa Mondaufgang
As you can tell from the names above, they all scream "Bright", "Fluorescent", "Easy to See", "Glow in the Dark", etc. in those glofish names.
What the heck is bioluminescence?
Although these fish don't look natural compared to most other ornamental fish, they seem to be glowing like they should. Calledbioluminescence.This is the same thing that fireflies have, which they light up at night.
This is characteristic of a variety of living things in the oceans, as well as in theExpand the jellyfish, sometimes called alarm jellyfish. (scientific name: Atolla wyvillei). They flash amazing lights when attacked by a predator.
Bioluminescence has been extensively studied for its fluorescent properties and is used for a variety of applications. Of course, one of those apps is on GloFish.
Where did Glofish come from?
One of the first to convert fish to fluorescent colors were researchers from Singapore. His main idea was to have a fish that could locate contaminated water. This makes it easier to see if the water is contaminated. Making the shiny feature permanent was a challenge. Scientists in Singapore took the first step, but it was a Texas company that took it to the next level.
Alan Blake and Richard Crocket, leading proponents ofYorktown Technologies, bought the license for these permanently fluorescent fish. They use them to make the world's first fluorescent aquarium fish for the general public:Is Sternroter Danio.
The rights to GloFish are now owned bySpektrum Marken, Inc., which it purchased from Yorktown Technologies in May 2017.
These fish were released in late 2003 and since then the company has produced 12 different varieties of GloFish. Including six fantastic colors and some classes. These include tetras, danios and barbels.
GloFish look very natural under normal white light, but when you use blue, violet or black light they fluoresce.Although these fish were initially questioned by many, they quickly became popular. They now make up around 10% of the annual turnover of the entire ornamental fish industry.
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The most popular species of Glofish
While you won't find a GloFish with a net in your local pond, the fish evolved quite naturally. You are probably already familiar with them if you already have an aquarium. They are very popular freshwater aquarium fish and are excellent for any beginner.
Here are some of the main types available in GloFish format:
- Danios
- with barbs
- Salmler
- Hedge
- Bettas
Now let's go into a little more detail about each of these fish...
Danios
Danios come in two main styles: zebra and leopard. It grows up to 2 inches long and feeds on plant and animal matter. Danios are native to southern Asia and belong to the minnow family. In addition, it is a hardy fish that can live in the same temperatures as goldfish. It is also a social fish and should be kept in schools of 6 or more individuals.
with barbs
Barbel are primarily schooling fish that prefer to stay in groups of five or more individuals. Also, they range in length from 2 to 6 inches. They are also included in their neon colors and feature dark vertical lines that better define them.
Salmler
Another school group of Glofish are tetras. The species that originally created them. Tetras are most similar to black rock tetras. Tetras usually have pills (sometimes deep),spider-likebodies and are typically identified by their fins. They usually have a forked caudal fin, the upper and lower lobes of which are the same size.
Tetras also have a high dorsal fin, characterized by a short connection to the body of the fish. With good care, tetras can live between 5 and 10 years. The neon tetra is one of the most popular fish in the world.

Hedge
One of the last GloFish in the lineup features sharks, similar to Rainbow Sharks. These are semi-aggressive fish that can grow to 6 inches in length.
The GloFish creation is from an existing species. This means you can use both fluorescent and non-fluorescent forms of the same species of fish in your aquarium.
Related article:"Dealing with aggressive fish" in my aquarium.
Bettas
Bettas are a great addition to the Glofish family. Long, flowing fins are a great feature of male bettas, especially when they fluoresce. But don't miss out on the female bettas, they are beautiful! The female betta can be with other species of bettas or with a group of female bettas. The male is best kept alone as he is very territorial.

Forced to read “O que são Glofish? Where do they come from?” I hope this helps you understand what they are and how they came about! My name is AJ here at AllAquariumSchool. Be sure to share this article with someone and be sure to check out my other articles here me tooallaquariumschool.comThanks again! 🙂
FAQs
Are GloFish low maintenance? ›
They are a peaceful fish that's great in a community tank, but they might nip the fins of slow-moving tank mates like Bettas. You should keep them in a school of at least five, but larger numbers are always better. They're very easy to care for and will readily accept flake, pelleted or frozen foods.
How do you maintain a GloFish tank? ›To keep your GloFish tank clean, you'll need to perform some routine maintenance tasks. Check your tank temperature daily and make sure it is in the range of 72°F to 80°F. You should also check the water level on a weekly basis and replace water lost to evaporation once a week.
How often do you feed GloFish in a tank? ›Experts suggest feeding your fish relatively small amounts of food once or twice a day. If they eat all of the food within a few minutes, it is okay to add a bit more, as long as they eat all (or at least most) of it within a short period of time.
What kind of fish food do you feed GloFish? ›GloFish eat a diet of fish flakes, pellets, and frozen or freeze-dried foods formulated for ornamental pets. They are an omnivorous species that do best on a diet specially formulated for them. GloFish are a species of fluorescent, transgenic zebrafish. GloFish benefit from foods high in carotenoids and beta carotene.
How often should I change the water in my GloFish tank? ›Twice a month if you have a lot of fish, or if you have fish that produce more waste, such as goldfish or cichlids. Clean your filter of any sludge, particularly if it has an impeller, every other month. Do a 25% water change once a month. Reduce the amount of food you feed your fish.
How can you tell if a GloFish is stressed? ›Strange Swimming: When fish are stressed, they often develop odd swimming patterns. If your fish is swimming frantically without going anywhere, crashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing himself on gravel or rocks, or locking his fins at his side, he may be experiencing significant stress.
What do GloFish need in their tank? ›- Set up your Tetra GloFish® Aquarium. Kit contains aquarium, LED lighting, filter and filter cartridge. ...
- Add GloFish® brand décor and accessories. such as fluorescent gravel and plants, and ornaments with glowing accents.
- Add and treat water. ...
- Add GloFish®.
Please follow these steps for a partial water changes:
Let the new water sit for a few hours until it reaches room temperature. Once the new water has reached room temperature, remove and discard about 30% of the old water from the aquarium. Slowly add the new water into the aquarium.
It is proven that a goldfish can go for 1-2 weeks without food. However, you should not leave them unfed for this long as they will become malnourished and extremely hungry.
Are GloFish bottom feeders? ›In aquariums, GloFish Sharks exist peacefully with other GloFish and non-fluorescent community fish and can receive the same care as their tank mates. They also serve as bottom feeders, giving the added benefit of cleaning up leftover food, unsightly algae and small nuisance snails.
Do GloFish need water balance? ›
By helping to keep aquarium chemistry stable between extended water changes, reducing harmful fluctuations in pH and lowering nitrates, Water Balance helps create an environment in which your fish can thrive. Add two teaspoons per 5 gallons.
What can I feed my GloFish if I don't have fish food? ›During the first 2 or 3 days without fish food, aquarium fish will eat algae and scavenge for leftovers. After this there are several alternatives such as vegetables (lettuce, cucumber and zucchini) or meat (beef heart, cod or tilapia).
What bottom feeders are good with GloFish? ›- Zebra Danio.
- Rosy Tetra.
- Hoplo Catfish.
- Hog-nosed catfish.
- Cherry Shrimp.
- Bamboo Shrimp.
- Harlequin Rasbora.
- Bristlenose Pleco.
Nerite Snails are widely believed to be the best snail in the aquarium hobby for eating algae. They are compatible with GloFish and have a peaceful temperament.
Do GloFish like cold or warm water? ›All GloFish except for the danios need a heater because they are tropical fish that require temperatures of approximately 75-80°F (24-27°C) to stay healthy.
Do GloFish need light at night? ›Do GloFish Need Light At Night? It is not recommended to leave the lights on at night. Undoubtedly, GloFish requires light just like any other fish and also for the fluorescent feature. They also need to be kept in the dark so that their food intake and sleep time go in the perfect cycle.
What are the signs of ammonia stress in fish? ›Unfortunately, by the time signs of ammonia stress are noticeable in fish – lethargy, appetite loss, gasping, inflammation of the gills, eyes or fins – it may be too late to take corrective action that can save the fish.
How do I make my GloFish happy? ›Water Changes. Along with proper feeding, partial water changes are the most important way to ensure that your fish are healthy and happy with GloFish® Set Up and Care.
How do I cure a stressed fish? ›If you believe your fish has stress ich, give it an environment with plenty of clean water, high-quality foods, and low stress. Eliminate any sources of stress, such as: Wrong water parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrite) Current that is too strong.
Can GloFish survive without a heater? ›Yes, glofish need a heater, because all the Glofish species are derivatives of tropical species. That means they're used to warm waters and require heaters in captivity.
Can GloFish live in tank without filter? ›
Yes, Glofish, as well as all tank fish species, require a filtering system. The filter is a necessary addition to any closed aquatic environment, although many novice fish keepers prefer to avoid the investment.
How long do GloFish live in a tank? ›Glofish Tetras: Glofish tetras have a lifespan of 3-5 years. If kept under ideal environmental circumstances, they can live for more than five years. Tetras come in a variety of stunning hues, including cosmic blue, galaxy purple, moonrise pink, and sunburst orange.
What type of water is best for GloFish? ›Glofish like a tropical environment with warm water. The temperature should remain between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the hardy glofish can live in temperatures down to 62 degrees. Avoid drastic temperature changes to help prevent stress in your fish, which often leads to illness.
How do I keep my fish tank clean without changing water? ›Vacuum the Gravel Fish feces, shed scales, uneaten food, dead bits of plants, and other debris will settle to the bottom of your tank. Vacuuming the gravel every week will remove much of this debris and refresh the tank, brightening the gravel and keeping the tank healthier.
Why does my GloFish keep dying? ›There are many reasons why fish in your tank keep dying. A few reasons include stress, incorrect tank setup, overfeeding, diseases, and much more. To a beginner, it could look like your fish died for no reason whatsoever.
Can GloFish survive in tap water? ›GloFish Water Conditioner is safe and effective for all tropical fish. Makes tap water safe for GloFish fluorescent fish.
How many GloFish can you put in a gallon? ›We recommend keeping just one Tetra per gallon of tank space.
How many GloFish should you have in a tank? ›You can keep about 1 Glofish for each 2.5 gallons. An ideal tank would be 20 gallons or more with a school of six or more. Glofish in tanks under 5 gallon? - Not recommended. In smaller tanks try some white clouds or a betta.
How many flakes do you feed a GloFish? ›Feed GloFish Wafer Mini Mix 2 to 3 times daily, in small amounts, only as much as your fish can consume within a minute or so. Be careful not to overfeed your fish; any food the fish don't eat will pollute your tank.
Do GloFish need gravel in their tank? ›GloFish Aquarium gravel completes your GloFish experience and complements GloFish. This gravel is specially selected to stand out under the blue lighting in your GloFish aquarium. Simply add gravel to your aquarium, decorate with GloFish plants and add your GloFish.
Do bottom feeder fish need food? ›
Many bottom feeders get their nutrients from algae and other plant material. Others are carnivores and eat other bottom feeders. In the ocean, deep-sea bottom feeders eat jellyfish and squid, and in doing so, they absorb carbon dioxide—keeping it from going back into the atmosphere.
Do GloFish like algae? ›GloFish sharks are omnivores, eating algae, plant matter, and some meaty protein. These fish will eat pretty much anything they're offered, including tropical fish flakes, pellets, algae, and blanched fresh vegetables.
Why is my GloFish shaking? ›Shimmying is a symptom rather than a single disease, and an indication that a fish no longer has proper control of its nerves and muscles. It occurs when fish are under severe stress, most often because of environmental problems.
Why is my GloFish swimming upside down? ›Why Is My Fish Swimming Upside Down? If your fish is swimming upside down, it has a problem with its swim bladder. Your fish has stopped being able to control its swim bladder and has got stuck with too much air inside it. The reason for this could be constipation, a poor diet, eating habits, or an infection.
Can fish eat oatmeal? ›Even though their diet is changing, your fish will still like indulging in a treat from time to time. Some things to feed your pond fish are oatmeal or oat-based cereal or share some veggies, such as carrots, pumpkin, or frozen peas. These snacks will be gentle on their system and give them some extra nutrients.
What is alternative food for fish in aquarium? ›Cooked vegetables (peas, cauliflower, pumpkin, carrots, etc.), boiled or steamed, are great food alternatives to fish food flakes once in a while for your omnivorous and herbivorous aquarium fish. You can even feed some fish (goldfish and koi in particular) cooked rice or oatmeal.
Can you give bread to fish? ›So, to sum everything up, if you've ever wondered “can fishes eat bread?”, the answer to that question is a straight no. Bread can cause serious health issues in fish as they can't process either gluten or yeast. Feeding bread to your fish is likely to make them sick or even kill them in severe cases.
What temp water does GloFish need? ›The GloFish® Submersible Heater is designed to keep your aquatic fish comfortable, with an electronic thermostat that automatically maintains a consistent water temperature of 78 degrees and prevents overheating, extending heater life.
What filter goes in GloFish tank? ›Perfect for beginners and hobbyists alike, this complete kit features a glass aquarium, LED lighting system, hood and Tetra® Whisper® PF10 Power Filter with Medium Tetra® Whisper® Bio-Bag® Filter Cartridge to help you create a thriving environment for your GloFish fluorescent fish.
Do bottom feeders eat algae? ›A lot of bottom feeders will also eat algae. This'll ensure your plants are able to get enough resources and keep the aesthetic appeal of your tank.
What light kills algae in fish tank? ›
By showering algae with ultraviolet rays, a UV sterilizer kills algae the same way it kills other microorganisms. Radiation prevents it from reproducing. Because algae contribute so much to the turbidity of your water, killing free-floating algae dramatically improves your tank's clarity.
What is the best algae eater to put with GloFish? ›Nerite Snails are widely believed to be the best snail in the aquarium hobby for eating algae. They are compatible with GloFish and have a peaceful temperament.
Are GloFish good for beginners? ›GloFish are lively, hardy and very colorful They are good choices for beginners. The Glo Danio was developed from the Zebra Danio. The Glo Tetra was developed from the Black Skirt Tetra. These two fish represent one of the most hardy fish we sell.
What are the disadvantages of GloFish? ›...
- the fish tell scientists when the water is polluted.
- safe for the environment.
- easy to breed.
All GloFish except for the danios need a heater because they are tropical fish that require temperatures of approximately 75-80°F (24-27°C) to stay healthy. If you keep them at a room temperature of 68-72°F (20-22°C), the continuous stress of being too cold can cause them to get sick.
Are GloFish OK alone? ›GloFish Sharks can be semi-aggressive, so we advise keeping only one shark per aquarium. They can, however be housed along with other GloFish Tetras, Danios, and Barbs. It should also be noted that our GloFish Barbs can potentially become aggressive if they are not kept in groups of five or more.
How long do GloFish live in tanks? ›Glofish Tetras: Glofish tetras have a lifespan of 3-5 years. If kept under ideal environmental circumstances, they can live for more than five years. Tetras come in a variety of stunning hues, including cosmic blue, galaxy purple, moonrise pink, and sunburst orange.
What makes GloFish happy? ›Water Changes. Along with proper feeding, partial water changes are the most important way to ensure that your fish are healthy and happy with GloFish® Set Up and Care.
How long can a GloFish live out of water? ›But the average goldfish can survive for up to one hour outside its tank. Other types of pet fish, like betta fish, can survive up to two hours outside of water.
Do you need to condition water for GloFish? ›Please follow these steps for a partial water changes:
GloFish® Water Conditioner removes chemicals in tap water such as chlorine and chloramines, which are harmful to your fish. Let the new water sit for a few hours until it reaches room temperature.
Do GloFish sleep at night? ›
Yes, do not leave the blue light on for 24 hours a day because the fish need to sleep in the dark at night and algae can grow if you turn on the aquarium light more than 12 hours a day.
What temp should GloFish be at? ›The GloFish® Submersible Heater is designed to keep your aquatic fish comfortable, with an electronic thermostat that automatically maintains a consistent water temperature of 78 degrees and prevents overheating, extending heater life.