Glass Fish

• Group: Freshwater
• Size: Small
• Temperament: Non-aggressive
• Aquarium Size: Medium (30 gallons)

Glass Fish General description

The Glass Fish is also known as the Indian Glassy Fish (also called Indian Glassy Perch), Indian X-Ray Fish, Siamese Glassy Fish and Malaysian Glassy Fish), which is one of the fascinating aquarium fish species. Sometimes, this species is sold under its full scientific title Parambassis. The most striking feature of this species is its transparent body, which exposes its internal organs and bones. You can buy five or more Glass Fish to increase their confidence and reduce their need to hide. These fishes are shy and peaceful and should be kept with other tankmates that are similar in size and nature. This is because they are schooling fish. They do well when they have other fish to swim with, and they can stay together.

Avoid buying fish labelled as “dyed glassfish” and “disco fish” at a pet shop. These fish have artificial dyes to be more appealing to hobbyists. These colors are often misinterpreted by beginner aquarists who believe they are natural. In reality, the injection process is very stressful and can cause disease and even death. Even with all the cruelty, fishes that survive this cruel procedure miraculously lose their artificial colors after a few weeks. Glass Fish should only be purchased in transparent form. This is the only way to ensure that you aren’t buying maltreated or sick fish.

The glass fish, also known as the Indian Glassy Fish or the Malaysian Glassy Fish, is a fascinating aquarium fish species.

Origins

These stunning translucent fishes are from South Asia. They are found in the areas of Pakistan and Malaysia where they live. This is why Parambassis Rangea is also known as Indian Glassy Fish or Malaysian Glassy Fish. They are usually found in standing water, such as impoundments, which can be dammed streams. However, they prefer freshwater. This is important because Glass Fish are often believed to need to be kept in a brackish aquarium.

Color

Glass fish are transparent in color. The dorsal fins of males can often show a dark tinge. Artificial dyeing is a painful and dangerous process that leaves behind vivid, exotic colors.

Care and maintenance

Glass fish are small and can grow to only 3 inches in length. This does not mean they do not need a large tank. The tank should not be smaller than 10-20 gallons. However, other inhabitants and the number Glassfish will affect its size. They are a schooling fish species and prefer large shoals. It is best to keep at least 5 Glass Fish in each tank. However, you can have more if your aquarium is large enough. These fish can be very timid and stressed if they are kept in groups or alone. They will hide and will have a severely reduced quality of life.

Freshwater should be slightly acidic or slightly alkaline, with a pH value between 6.5 and 7.5. Brackish water is not good for them as it makes them feel lethargic. Glass Fish like large freshwater tanks with lots of space for swimming. They are very active swimmers and love rocks and heavy vegetation to replicate their natural habitat. These fish require water temperatures of approximately 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit due to their origin.

These fish make great tank mates and are peaceful, small- to medium-sized fish that are non-aggressive. They shouldn’t be kept with predatory, larger species that could harass or eat them. Their ideal aquarium companions would be species like White Cloud Mountain Minnows, small Tetras and Guppies.

Glass Fish require very little maintenance. Your translucent stunner will thrive in your tank with the help of tank mates and basic equipment. They can live up to three to four years if their basic needs are met.

Feeding

Glass fish are carnivores. They thrive on live foods like blood worms, tubifex worms, and mosquito larvae. You can also feed them frozen or freeze-dried foods. Flakes should be avoided as they don’t seem hungry for them.

Glass fish is a small fish species that can grow up to 3 inches in length.

Breeding

The broad-leaved plants are what glass fish spawn on. They spawn in the monsoon season when the temperatures rise, and the rains decrease water hardness. You can induce them to spawn by slowly increasing the aquarium’s temperature and adding fresh water daily. The adults can eat their eggs and fry, however. It is best to place the breeding pair in a well-lit spawning tank and remove them after the eggs have been laid.