Indian Glassfish (Parambassis ranga) Care Guide

A small, fascinating fish with a nearly transparent body through which the skeleton and internal organs are clearly visible. Males develop a golden-blue iridescence along the body edges.

Overview

Parambassis ranga is a species in the family Ambassidae. A small, fascinating fish with a nearly transparent body through which the skeleton and internal organs are clearly visible. Males develop a golden-blue iridescence along the body edges. Avoid dyed specimens marketed as 'Disco Fish.'

Taxonomy

Family: Ambassidae
Genus: Parambassis
Scientific name: Parambassis ranga
Other names: Indian Glassy Perch
Origin: Asia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan

Habitat

Parambassis ranga is a transparent-bodied fish from slow fresh and slightly brackish waters of South Asia, including India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. A shoaling micro-predator, it hunts small invertebrates among vegetation; dyed specimens sometimes sold are an unethical practice.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 60 L
Temperature: 20-28 °C
pH: 6.5-8
GH: 5-18 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 5-8 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 6
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Neon Tetra, Corydoras, Cherry Barb, Harlequin Rasbora
Avoid with: Large Cichlids, Aggressive Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate