Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Indian Glassfish

Parambassis ranga

Also called Indian glassy fish, Indian glassy perch, Glass perch, Indian X-ray fish, Siamese glassfish

SpeciesShort profile

From South and Southeast Asia: Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia, east to Vietnam1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length8 to 9.5 cm2 3 1

Lifespan3 to 4 years2

Sizesmall

Fascinating glass-clear body

Peaceful and gentle

Happy in fresh or slightly brackish water

3 2

Looks how to spot one

Small, see-through perch-like fish

A small fish whose body is so clear that its skeleton and organs show through. It grows to about 8 to 9.5 cm. Males show a dark edge on the dorsal fin, and the body often has a faint golden or amber sheen.2 3 1

Colourstransparent with visible skeletonmales with dark-edged dorsal fin2 3

Personality what they are like

Gentle and rather shy. It feels most secure in a calm tank with peaceful company and good cover.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Swims mostly in the middle and lower levels of the tank and likes hovering among plants.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Temperature about 20 to 30 °C, pH roughly 6.5 to 8.0 and hardness around 8 to 20 dGH. Salt is not required for fish kept in fresh water; match the water they were sold in. Choose natural, undyed fish.3 1 2

Home where they are happiest

Calm, slow-moving or still water, including reservoirs. A planted aquarium of at least 60 to 80 cm length, around 70 litres or more, suits a small group.1 3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A micro-predator of small invertebrates, worms and crustaceans. In aquariums it prefers small live and frozen foods, and some fish are slow to accept flakes.1 2 3

Company who they like around

A shoaling fish to keep in a group of at least five or six; pairs or single fish do poorly. Good companions are other peaceful fish such as small barbs, livebearers or rainbowfish.1 3

The story where it all began

Hamilton described the species in 1822, and it was long known as Chanda ranga. Its see-through body has made it a fixture of the aquarium trade for many decades.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its body is so transparent that you can see its backbone and internal organs.2
2
Wild populations swell during the rainy season, which is also when they breed.1
3
A female can lay up to about 500 eggs.1
4
Despite a popular myth, it does not need salt in its water.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2011)1
Francis Hamilton: Described in 18221

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Indian Glassfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Salinity checkBrackish fish need a little marine salt, and some need more as they growevery week
Water changeAbout 25% of the water, mixed to the same salinityevery week
Water testevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Indian Glassfish?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and they prefer live or frozen foods like small worms and crustaceans.1 2 3 Pet Wiki plan

What does an Indian Glassfish eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats small live and frozen foods such as invertebrates, worms, and crustaceans. Some may take flakes slowly, but what to avoid varies; ask a vet for a complete list.1 2 3

How much space does an Indian Glassfish need?

A planted tank of at least 70 litres (about 60, 80 cm long) suits a small group. This gives them room to swim and feel secure.1 3

What temperature, light or water does an Indian Glassfish need?

Keep water at 20, 30°C, pH 6.5, 8.0, and hardness 8, 20 dGH. Use water matching what they were sold in; no salt is needed for freshwater fish.3 1 2

How often should I clean an Indian Glassfish's home?

Change about 25% of the water weekly and rinse the filter monthly in old tank water. Furry Diary's plan also recommends weekly water tests. Pet Wiki plan

Can an Indian Glassfish live with others?

Yes, it's a shoaling fish and needs at least five or six companions. Good tankmates include peaceful fish like small barbs, livebearers, or rainbowfish.1 3

How long does an Indian Glassfish live?

With proper care, they typically live 3 to 4 years. Enjoy their gentle presence during that time.2

Can I handle an Indian Glassfish?

It's best not to handle them, as fish are delicate and stress easily. For any specific needs, ask a vet or experienced aquarist.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Spotted Scat

Orange Chromide

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Chanda ranga (Parambassis ranga), Indian glassy fish fishbase.seused for range, size, water parameters, habitat, diet, breeding, group size, IUCN, author
Wikipedia: Indian glassy fish en.wikipedia.orgused for names, description, lifespan, habitat, diet, swimming level
Seriously Fish: Parambassis ranga seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, salinity myth, temperament, group size, diet

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.