Siamese Glassfish: The Subtle Jewel of Southeast Asia
In a world full of vibrant guppies and dramatic bettas, the Siamese Glassfish (Parambassis siamensis) stands apart with its quiet beauty and transparency. Often overshadowed by its more common cousin, the Indian Glassfish, this species offers a more authentic and natural aquarium experience without the controversy of artificial dyeing.
If you're an aquarist seeking something elegant and understated, the Siamese Glassfish might just be the perfect pick.
Natural Habitat and Origin
Native to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, the Siamese Glassfish lives in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and flooded forests. These environments are usually warm and filled with submerged vegetation, offering both food and protection from predators.
This species thrives in freshwater conditions, although it can tolerate slightly brackish water for short periods, particularly in the wild.
Unique Appearance
The Siamese Glassfish is named for its transparent body, which allows light to pass through its scales and reveals its internal organs — a mesmerizing natural feature.
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Size: Grows up to 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
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Coloration: Clear to lightly golden with a hint of silver-blue shimmer
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Fins: Translucent with soft edges, occasionally tinged with pale yellow
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Body Shape: Laterally compressed, almost diamond-shaped
What sets it apart from Indian Glassfish is its more subtle hues and lack of artificial coloring in the pet trade — an important ethical win for aquarists who avoid dyed species.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
Creating the right environment is key to helping Siamese Glassfish thrive.
Tank Requirements:
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Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for a small school
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Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
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pH: 6.5–7.5
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Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
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Filtration: Gentle flow, well-oxygenated
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Substrate: Fine gravel or sand
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Decor: Plenty of plants, driftwood, and hiding spots
? Pro Tip: Use a dark background and substrate to enhance their natural shimmer.
Social Behavior and Compatibility
Siamese Glassfish are peaceful schooling fish that feel safest in groups of at least 6 individuals. When kept in smaller numbers, they may become shy or stressed.
Compatible Tankmates:
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Peaceful fish like:
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Neon or ember tetras
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Rasboras
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Corydoras catfish
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Dwarf gouramis (non-aggressive types)
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Avoid:
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Aggressive or fin-nipping species (e.g., tiger barbs, large cichlids)
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They do best in community tanks where they’re not outcompeted for food or bullied by larger tankmates.
Feeding and Diet
In the wild, Siamese Glassfish are micropredators, feeding on small crustaceans, insect larvae, and zooplankton. In captivity, they prefer live or frozen foods, though many can be trained to accept dry food over time.
Best Foods:
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Live/frozen: Bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae
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Dry food: High-quality micro pellets or crushed flakes (if accepted)
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Feeding Schedule: 1–2 times per day in small portions
A protein-rich diet helps maintain their health and subtle iridescence.
