Taiwan ichthyologist leads florescent fish trend

2016/03/04

A Taiwan expert who bred the world’s first pink angelfish continues instilling the local florescent ornamental fish industry with vibrancy and spurring exports of the tropical creatures.

Born in Chiayi County 56 years ago, Lin Yu-ho started his career in 1988 by establishing JY Lin Trading Corp. in Pingtung County—a warm weather southern Taiwan locale suited to breeding fish.

Lin cultivated the world’s first green convict cichlid in 2009 in cooperation with Academia Sinica—the nation’s top research institution—and Keelung City-based National Taiwan Ocean University. This accomplishment and his industry contributions saw him win a National Innovation Award in 2011.

But Lin is not content to rest on his laurels. After three years of research, he broke new ground by using electroporation to implant the fluorescence protein gene of coral into the ovaries of angelfish. This resulted in the creation of the world’s first pink pterophyllum scalare.

Ou Mei-ju, Lin’s wife and general manager of JY Lin Trading Corp., said she never doubted Lin’s ability to reach the top of his game.

“He can always tell the condition of a fish and is able to assist with surgical procedures,” Ou said. “My husband is especially fascinated by the graceful lines and placid temperament of angelfish, and is passionate about gifting them colors rarely seen in nature.”

This dedication is largely responsible for JY Lin Trading Corp.’s standing as the No.1 tropical fish exporter in Taiwan, and top angelfish exporter in the world. Last year, the firm’s production accounted for one-third of the 1.2 million to 1.5 million angelfish global output.

“We will continue our R&D and cultivate two to three new florescent species per year,” Ou said, adding that she anticipates showcasing more creations in a locally based GloFish-specific aquarium planned for construction in the near future.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=242649&ctNode=2194&mp=9)