Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Indian Glassy Fish

Parambassis ranga

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

SpeciesShort profile

From South and Southeast Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length8 to 9.5 cm2 3 1

Lifespan3 to 4 years2

Sizesmall

See-through body with visible skeleton

Peaceful shoaling fish

Adapts to a wide range of water

2 3

Looks how to spot one

Transparent scaled fish

A small, deep-bodied fish so see-through that its backbone and internal organs are visible. Natural colouring is clear to faintly yellow, and males gain darker, blue-edged dorsal and anal fins.2 3

Colourstransparentfaint yellow tintblue fin edges (males)2 3

Personality what they are like

Peaceful but shy; calm, similarly sized tankmates help it settle and show its best colours.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Swims in the middle and lower levels of the tank in a loose shoal.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Water about 20-30 C, pH roughly 6.5-8.0 and medium to hard water. It lives naturally in fresh water and does not need added salt. Buy naturally clear fish rather than artificially dyed ones sold as 'disco fish'.1 2 3

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least 80 x 30 x 30 cm (about 72 litres; FishBase gives 60 cm as a minimum length) with plants and a dark substrate, which helps it feel secure.3 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Small crustaceans, worms and other invertebrates. Live and frozen foods are taken most readily; some fish also accept dried food.1 2 3

Company who they like around

A shoaling fish; keep a group of at least five or six.1 3

The story where it all began

Francis Hamilton described the species in 1822 from South Asia. It is rarely sold as food but is often found in the aquarium trade.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its body is clear enough to see the skeleton, which earned it the name 'X-ray fish'.2
2
Parents build nests and guard their young, and a female can produce up to around 500 eggs.1
3
It is most abundant in the wild during the rainy season.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List (via FishBase): Least Concern (assessed 2011).1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Indian Glassy Fish?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, but watch your fish and adjust if food is left uneaten.3 2 1 Pet Wiki plan

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

They eat small crustaceans, worms, and other invertebrates, and love live or frozen foods; some also take dried food. Never feed them anything with added salt or artificial dyes, and avoid overfeeding any single food type.3 2 1

How much space does an Indian Glassy Fish need?

A tank at least 80 x 30 x 30 cm (about 72 litres) is recommended, with a dark substrate and plants for security. This gives a small shoal enough room to swim comfortably.3 1

What temperature, light or water does an Indian Glassy Fish need?

Keep water between 20-30°C, pH 6.5-8.0, and medium to hard fresh water, no added salt. Normal aquarium lighting is fine, and a dark substrate helps them feel secure.3 2 1

How often should I clean an Indian Glassy Fish's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Test water weekly to keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan

Can an Indian Glassy Fish live with others?

Yes, they are peaceful shoaling fish and should be kept in a group of at least five or six. Calm, similarly sized tankmates help them settle and show their best colours.3 1

How long does an Indian Glassy Fish live?

They typically live 3 to 4 years with proper care. A stable, clean environment and good diet help them reach their full lifespan.2

Can I handle an Indian Glassy Fish?

No, handling is very stressful and can damage their delicate, transparent bodies. Always use a soft net if you need to move them, and keep handling to an absolute minimum.3 2

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.

African Glass Catfish

Where this comes from

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

FishBase: Parambassis ranga fishbase.seused for size, origin, water parameters, IUCN, diet, breeding facts, history
Wikipedia: Parambassis ranga en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, appearance, lifespan, diet, freshwater note
Seriously Fish: Parambassis ranga seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, compatibility, group size, dimorphism

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