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First Genetically Modified Pet Available in the United States (with PHOTO),

First Genetically Modified Pet Available in the United States

GloFish(TM) Fluorescent Zebra Fish Will Add Brilliant Color to Aquariums

Nationwide

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Yorktown Technologies, L.P. announced today that the first genetically modified pet will be available to consumers in the United States immediately following the holidays. The GloFish(TM) Red Zebra Danio, originally created to help fight environmental pollution, is a bright red fluorescent zebra fish that will be sold in retail stores beginning January 5, 2004. Glowing brilliantly in ultraviolet light and with bright fluorescence in natural light, a similar fluorescent fish sold in Asia was recently named one of 2003's "Coolest Inventions" by Time Magazine.

Until now, the only fish with aesthetic qualities comparable to that of GloFish(TM) fluorescent fish have been the most vibrant of saltwater fish. Because saltwater fish are relatively expensive to purchase and more difficult to maintain, the availability of such brilliant fluorescent colors in freshwater zebra fish offers a never before seen opportunity for consumers.

Fluorescent zebra fish, such as these, have been relied upon by scientists worldwide for more than a decade to better understand genetics, molecular biology, and vertebrate development. The fluorescence is caused by adding a naturally occurring gene from sea coral to the fish eggs before they hatch. The fish is born with its unique color, maintains the color throughout its life, and even passes it on to its offspring.

"By sharing these stunning fish with the public, we are enabling people to have their own fluorescent fish, while promoting beneficial scientific goals behind their development," said Alan Blake, co-founder and CEO of Yorktown Technologies, L.P., the exclusive U.S. licensee of the patented fluorescent fish technology. "Fluorescent fish will be particularly useful in classrooms, where they will be a wonderful tool to help pique students' interest in science."

The company spent more than two years researching fluorescent zebra fish to reach a broad consensus with leading scientific experts and state regulatory agencies that GloFish(TM) fluorescent fish are safe for the environment. Their findings unambiguously show that fluorescent zebra fish will have no advantages over non-fluorescent zebra fish, and would not be able to establish populations in the wild. In fact, although zebra fish have been sold by millions each year for nearly five decades, according to the United States Geological Survey, there is still not one zebra fish population in the United States.

Dr. Perry Hackett, a world renowned zebra fish expert on leave from the University of Minnesota, agrees with this assessment and further notes that, "The odds against a problem arising from fluorescent transgenic tropical fish are so low as to be incalculable." In order to share its research, and encourage an open dialog about this issue, the company has posted analyses from leading experts on its website at www.glofish.com .

The GloFish(TM) fluorescent fish were originally bred to help fight environmental pollution at the National University of Singapore by Dr. Zhiyuan Gong. Using these "proof-of-concept" fish, Dr. Gong is now working to make fluorescent fish that will signal environmental trouble by selectively fluorescing in the presence of toxins. In order to further this research, a portion of all proceeds from the sale of GloFish(TM) fluorescent fish sales will go directly to Dr. Gong's facility.

GloFish(TM) fluorescent fish, which will be distributed by 5-D Tropical and Segrest Farms, will initially be available only in red, but other brilliant and vivid hues are forthcoming. GloFish(TM) fluorescent fish will be commercially available nationwide on January 5, 2004 through a variety of retailers for a cost of approximately $5.00 each.

About GloFish(TM) Fluorescent Fish

GloFish(TM) fluorescent fish create an original and vibrant splash of color inside freshwater aquariums. They are born with their unique color and display these beautiful hues for life. Originally bred to help detect environmental pollutants in waterways, it was only recently that scientists realized the public's interest in sharing the benefits of this research. These fish make wonderful companions for new hobbyists and experienced enthusiasts alike. According to a broad spectrum of scientific experts and government regulatory agencies, GloFish(TM) fluorescent fish are safe for the environment. A portion of the proceeds from sales will go directly to the lab where these fish were created in order to further scientific research. For more information, visit www.glofish.com .

Contact: Steve Oakes

512-542-2842

soakes@gcigroup.com

Talley Summerlin

512-542-2840

tsummerlin@gcigroup.com

SOURCE Yorktown Technologies, L.P.

CO: Yorktown Technologies, L.P.

ST: Texas

SU:

Web site: www.glofish.com

www.prnewswire.com