TOKYO, Jan 17 (News On Japan) - Two people, including a woman who is the manager of an aquarium, have been arrested for selling genetically modified glowing tropical fish, after they entered the fishy specimens into a competition.
The suspects, including a 56-year-old Thai national, were arrested last year for importing and selling a genetically modified tropical fish known as 'Betta', or Siamese fighting fish, from Thailand, in violation of the Cartagena Act.
Five customers and the corporate entity that runs the store were also sent to prosecutors for breeding these fish.
According to Tokyo police, the fish have genes from corals that glow green when exposed to infrared light.
The fish were entered into a contest, and the suspicious nature of their appearance prompted the organizers to consult with the Ministry of the Environment, leading to the discovery of the modified species.
Takeda and others were selling the fish under the name 'Neon Betta.'
