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Indian Glassfish
Parambassis ranga
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Perciformes›Ambassidae
📍 South & Southeast Asia
Completely transparent fish — internal organs and skeleton are fully visible. Does best in slightly brackish or hard water. Fascinating oddball.
Care Guide
Diet
Indian Glassfish are carnivorous and require high-quality protein sources. Feed small frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms once daily in small portions. They will also accept quality micro pellets and flake foods, but live or frozen foods should comprise the majority of their diet for optimal health and coloration.
Behavior
These peaceful, schooling fish are most active during dawn and dusk hours and prefer to swim in groups of 5 or more in the mid-water column. They are curious but somewhat shy, especially when first introduced, and benefit from dimmer lighting and planted areas for security. Their transparent bodies make them fascinating to observe as their internal organs and skeleton are fully visible.
Breeding
Breeding Indian Glassfish in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very specific water conditions including slightly brackish water, precise temperature ranges, and live food availability for fry. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught, making captive breeding uncommon even among experienced breeders.
Tank Mates
Similar size, peaceful temperament, and preference for soft, slightly acidic to neutral water conditions
Comparable size and peaceful nature; both prefer cooler water and mid-water swimming zones
Peaceful invertebrates that occupy different zones and have compatible water chemistry needs
Non-aggressive snails that help with algae control and won't threaten the glassfish
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, increase aeration, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per gallon) or commercial ich treatment; perform daily 25% water changes
Bacterial Infection
Torn fins, cloudy eyes, sores on body, loss of appetite, color fading
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, maintain optimal temperature, use antibiotic medication if severe; isolate affected fish if possible
Stress-Related Illness
Fading coloration, hiding, reduced appetite, erratic swimming, increased susceptibility to disease
Ensure adequate school size (minimum 5), provide planted cover, reduce tank disturbances, maintain stable water parameters, avoid sudden temperature fluctuations
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, clamped fins, weight loss, labored breathing
Use antiparasitic medication designed for freshwater fish; quarantine new fish before adding to main tank; maintain excellent water quality
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 7.0–8.0
- diet
- carnivore
- maxSize
- 3 inches
- minTankSize
- 15 gallons
- temperature
- 68–86°F (20–30°C)
Temperature
68–86°F
20–30°C