Genetically modified Zebra danio fish

Danio rerio

Danio rerio that have been genetically modified are unauthorised organisms in New Zealand and are here in breach of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act.

The species Danio rerio, in its unmodified form, is an allowable import. The fish at issue have been modified with a red fluorescent protein to make them a distinctive red/pink colour.

The genetically modified fish have been sold in locations around New Zealand.

MAFBNZ is the agency charged with enforcing the HSNO Act and has a legal obligation to trace and destroy the fish.

If you have these modified danios or know someone who has them, call 0800 80 99 66.

Description

The genetically modified danios generally appear as normal Zebra danios, only with a distinctive red/pink colour. It is also known that GM zebra danios can be cross bred with non-GM danios and, in these instances, not all the offspring will show the characteristic red/pink colouration.

Impact

The fish themselves are believed to pose an extremely low risk in biosecurity terms as they are considered unlikely to enter the food chain or have any environmental impacts. They are tropical so are unlikely to be able to survive outside a temperature-controlled tank.