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 7.0–8.0, 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.
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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.
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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 7.0–8.0, 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.
