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
From South and Southeast Asia: Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia, east to Vietnam12
At a glance the quick version
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.231
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.312
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.13
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.123
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.13
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.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2011)1
- Francis Hamilton
- Described in 18221
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Indian Glassfish. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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.123 Furry Diary 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.123
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.13
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.312
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. Furry Diary 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.13
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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Spotted Scat
Orange ChromideLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- 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
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.