Indian Glass Fish Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

Indian Glass Fish are small, laterally compressed perch relatives whose translucent bodies reveal much of the underlying skeleton and internal organs. Their see-through appearance is most striking when they are viewed against a subdued background, while the fins can show delicate yellow, blue or orange edging depending on the individual and its condition.

They are peaceful, alert fish that spend much of their time moving through the middle and upper levels of the aquarium. Rather than being highly territorial, they form loose groups and look most confident when surrounded by several companions. A lone specimen may become withdrawn and lose much of its natural activity.

In the wild, Parambassis ranga is associated with quiet, plant-rich waters where submerged vegetation provides shelter and hunting opportunities. Its slender, transparent body helps it blend into the complex shadows and reflections of these habitats.

The species is sometimes confused with brackish-water glassfish or sold in artificially coloured forms. Indian Glass Fish are naturally freshwater fish, and their transparent appearance is a genuine feature rather than the result of dyeing. They are micro-predators that pick off small aquatic animals and other suitably sized food.

Indian Glass Fish are native to South Asia, occurring in freshwater habitats across India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal, with records also extending into parts of mainland Southeast Asia. They inhabit slow-moving streams, canals, ponds, floodplain waters and other vegetated lowland environments.

A group of Indian Glass Fish should have at least 75 litres, with a footprint of about 60 by 30 cm or larger; a longer aquarium is preferable because it provides more swimming space. Use subdued lighting, a dark fine-grained substrate and plenty of live plants, including dense cover around the sides and rear while leaving open areas for cruising. Driftwood, smooth branches and floating plants can add shelter and shade. Keep the aquarium mature, clean and securely covered, as these fish may jump when startled.

Up to 8 cm (3.1 in). Females are often slightly smaller and deeper-bodied than males, although individual size varies.

Indian Glass Fish are small carnivores and do best on a varied diet of appropriately sized meaty foods. Offer small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, cyclops and bloodworms, supplemented with a quality micro-pellet where accepted. Their small mouths require tiny portions, and variety helps maintain condition and encourages natural feeding behaviour.

Indian Glass Fish suit peaceful community aquariums with similarly calm fish of comparable size. Good companions can include small rasboras, peaceful tetras, white cloud mountain minnows, small danios, kuhli loaches and gentle corydoras, provided the water requirements overlap. Avoid fin-nipping barbs, aggressive or highly boisterous species, and large fish that may eat them. They will also consume very small fry and tiny shrimp if they can catch them.

Indian Glass Fish are egg scatterers that can be bred in a mature, densely planted aquarium. Condition a group with varied foods, then provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops where pairs can release their eggs. Spawning usually occurs among vegetation, with eggs hatching in roughly a day. Remove the adults or transfer the eggs to a separate rearing container, as the parents may eat them. The tiny fry need infusoria or another suitably microscopic first food before progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Sexing Indian Glass Fish can be difficult outside the breeding period. Mature females are usually rounder through the abdomen, while males may be slightly larger and develop stronger blue or yellow highlights and more pronounced fin markings when in breeding condition.