Indian Glassfish (Parambassis ranga)

In the world of freshwater aquariums, few species are as captivating — or as misunderstood — as the Indian Glassfish. With a body so transparent you can see its bones and organs, this ethereal swimmer is a natural marvel and a conversation starter for anyone who visits your tank.

But there's more to this species than just looks. Let's dive into what makes the Indian Glassfish a fascinating (and sometimes controversial) addition to a home aquarium.

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Origins and Natural Habitat

The Indian Glassfish is native to South Asia, found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar. In the wild, it inhabits slow-moving rivers, lakes, and floodplains, typically in warm, calm waters with abundant plant cover.

These fish thrive in tropical environments and have adapted well to both freshwater and slightly brackish conditions, although freshwater setups are more common in home aquariums.

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Unique Appearance

The Indian Glassfish earns its name thanks to its semi-transparent body, which allows you to literally see its internal organs and skeletal structure — a trait very few fish share.

• Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm)

• Body: Laterally compressed and crystal-clear

• Fins: Delicate and translucent

• Coloration: Naturally clear with slight iridescence

? Important Note on Dyed Fish:
Unfortunately, many Indian Glassfish are artificially dyed using harmful methods, resulting in bright but unnatural colors like neon green, pink, or blue. These "painted glassfish" suffer stress and health complications. Always buy untreated fish from reputable breeders or stores.

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Ideal Aquarium Setup

Creating a comfortable habitat for Indian Glassfish isn’t too difficult, but some care is needed.

Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (for a small group)

• Water Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Water Hardness: Moderate

• Filtration: Gentle flow, as they dislike strong currents

• Lighting: Moderate (strong lighting can stress them)

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel with plenty of plants and hiding spots

They appreciate a well-planted tank with shaded areas. Floating plants are especially good for mimicking their natural environment.

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Social Behavior and Tankmates

Indian Glassfish are peaceful, schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 5–6 to prevent stress and bring out natural behaviors.

Compatible Tankmates:

• Small peaceful species like:

  • Zebra danios

  • Rasboras

  • Corydoras catfish

  • Dwarf gouramis (calm types)

  • Platies and mollies

• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species like tiger barbs

While not aggressive themselves, they can be shy around fast or boisterous tankmates.

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Diet and Feeding

In the wild, Indian Glassfish are carnivorous, feeding on small insects, crustaceans, and zooplankton. In captivity, they can be picky eaters at first but will adapt over time.

Feeding Tips:

• Staple Diet: Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia

• Dry Foods: High-protein micro pellets or flakes (if accepted)

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small amounts

A high-protein diet helps maintain their health and subtle coloration.

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Breeding Indian Glassfish

Breeding Indian Glassfish in captivity is challenging and rarely attempted by casual aquarists. It requires:

• A dedicated breeding tank

• Slightly raised temperature

• Dense vegetation for egg scattering

• Conditioning with live food

Females scatter eggs on plant leaves, and males fertilize them externally. However, parent fish often eat the eggs, so a separate nursery tank is recommended if breeding is attempted.

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Common Health Concerns

Indian Glassfish are moderately hardy but sensitive to poor water quality and stress, especially if sourced from dyed or overbred stock.

Common Issues:

• Ich (white spot disease)

• Stress from improper tankmates

• Loss of appetite in new environments

• Shorter lifespan in dyed specimens

Always perform regular water changes and ensure a calm, clean environment.

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Final Thoughts

The Indian Glassfish is a unique species with an otherworldly appearance and peaceful nature. If cared for properly and sourced ethically (i.e., never dyed), they make a striking and rewarding addition to community tanks.

While not the easiest fish for absolute beginners, they’re well within reach for intermediate hobbyists who can meet their specific needs. In return, you get to observe one of the most transparent wonders of the aquatic world.

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