Profile Photo
Maximum size : 8 cm
Indian Glass Fish - Parambassis ranga : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Indian Glass Fish (Parambassis ranga) have long been popular in the aquarium trade, but they have a reputation for being fragile and challenging to care for. However, these fish are surprisingly tolerant of a wide range of water conditions. While they are peaceful and shy, they do not do well when housed with robust or aggressive species. To keep Indian Glass Fish healthy and happy, it is best to keep them in groups of six or more individuals. They are shoaling species and will not thrive if kept alone or in pairs. These fish have a distinct body shape that is deep and laterally compressed, with long and rounded fins except for two separate, pointed dorsal fins. Their caudal fin is relatively long and forked, and their forehead is slightly indented, with large eyes and a small, dorsally located mouth. Their transparent body has a remarkable silvery appearance with a pale amber to green iridescence, which reveals their bones and internal organs. Unfortunately, Indian Glass Fish are sometimes sold to unsuspecting hobbyists after being painted or injected with coloured dye to make them more visually appealing. However, this process is not harmless and can cause trauma and make the fish more susceptible to diseases like fin rot, lymphocystis, and velvet disease. Fortunately, the campaign has led to the banning of dyed fish in the UK, but they are still available in other countries.Indian Glass Fish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
It is relatively straightforward to differentiate between male and female Indian Glass Fish. Males have a deeper yellow hue on their bodies and display a dark blue border along their anal and dorsal fins. These colour differences become more apparent during breeding as the colours intensify. Additionally, males have a pointed back edge on their visible swim bladder, which is absent in females. \r\nQuick Facts
| Scientific Name | Parambassis ranga |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1822 |
| Other Names | Indian Glassy Fish, Indian X-ray Fish Indian Glassy perch, Disco Fish, Painted Glass Fish |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Perciformes |
| Family | Ambassidae |
| Genus | Parambassis |
| Origins | India Pakistan Nepal Bangladesh Myanmar Thailand Malaysia Cambodia |
| Max Size | 8 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 8 - 20 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 68 - 86 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 30 |
