Dorm pets: GloFish

We’ve found another fish for you to enjoy in your dorm, and this one is electric!

GloFish, or simply “glow fish,” are considered zebrafish, and have a fluorescent glow. They were originally bred by scientists to help detect pollution in water, where the fluorescent colors would show in the contaminated water. 

On average, a GloFish can grow to be 2 inches long and will live for up to 3 years with proper care. They need a tank with at least five gallons of water with a temperature of 72-82 F. Their diet consists of flakes, pellets and freeze-dried food.  

Here is a full care sheet on maintenance, diet and proper tank set up. Just like the betta fish, be sure to cycle the water and have that completely set up before adding in any fish.

Be sure to not “pour them in” when the water is ready, be sure to acclimate them to the temperature and slowly add them in. 

Listed is a “getting started” set up: 

• 5+ gallon tank

• Food (flakes, pellets, or freeze-dried) 

• Décor

• Water conditioner

• Filter

• Water test kit

• Lighting

• Thermometer

• Freshwater substrate

• Heater

• Airline tubing

• Airstone

• Air pump

• New fish friends

These fish are community fish, so go ahead and grab you two or three when shopping for a new fish friend! 

NOTE: These fish are a 3-year commitment and should be taken seriously! Even when the semester ends, your fish will (hopefully) not!