Parambassis ranga
Genuinely transparent like the glass catfish, with the skeleton clearly visible. Strictly freshwater despite some shops keeping them brackish. Never buy dyed ("painted glass") specimens — the injection process kills most fish.
Indian Glass Fish (Parambassis ranga) reaches 6–7 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 75 L. Native to India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, it lives in the mid water column with a peaceful temperament. Aim for 20–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.5, and 8–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 3–5 years with good care. Keep indian glass fish in groups of 6+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: carnivore, Live and frozen small foods preferred — daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: No (eats shrimp).
Care at a glance
Genuinely transparent like the glass catfish, with the skeleton clearly visible. Strictly freshwater despite some shops keeping them brackish. Never buy dyed ("painted glass") specimens — the injection process kills most fish.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether indian glass fish fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 6+
Ambassidae
Carnivore
Live and frozen small foods preferred — daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae.
3–5 yrs
Medium
India, Bangladesh, Myanmar
India, Bangladesh, Myanmar
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Indian Glass Fish (Parambassis ranga) needs a minimum tank of 75 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 6+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 20–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.5, and 8–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No (eats shrimp). Plant safety: Yes.
Indian Glass Fish are carnivore. Live and frozen small foods preferred — daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: medium.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 3–5 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
