Japanese researchers have succeeded in developing see through goldfish, whose beating hearts and other organs can be seen through their transluscent skin. The move to develop see through goldfish (and other animals) was spurred by the desire to reduce/eliminate dissections of animals, still a sore point for many.
The joint team of researchers at Mie University and Nagoya University in central Japan produced the "ryukin" goldfish by picking mutant hatchery goldfish with pale skin and breeding them together.
"Having a pale colour is a disadvantage for goldfish in an aquarium but it's good to see how organs sit in a body three-dimensionally," Tamaru told AFP.
The fish are expected to live up to roughly 20 years and could grow as long as 25 centimetres (10 inches) and weigh more than two kilograms (five pounds), much bigger than other fish used in experiments, such as zebrafish and Japanese medaka, Tamaru said.
From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by Geekazoid.
I think they are talking in terms of Japanese beauty standards. They really love colorful fish, so I don't think this kind would be very popular in the pet industry unless very briefly and for novelty purposes.
That said, I'd want one and would love it to pieces.
“Having a pale colour is a disadvantage for goldfish in an aquarium..."
Would love to see the transparent frog.