Indian Glassy Fish

Parambassis ranga

Indian Glassy Fish (Parambassis ranga) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 19.8 US gal min; aim for 68–86°F and pH 6.5–7.5. The Indian Glassy Fish is well-suited for aquarists seeking a unique species with an intriguing appearance and moderate care requirements.

Indian Glassy Fish (Parambassis ranga) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size19.8 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature68–86°F
Max size3.1 in (8.0 cm)
Captive lifespan5–8 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Asia

  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Indian Glassy Fish Tank Setup

Create a balanced environment that combines open swimming areas with plenty of hiding spots. Use a fine substrate to support natural foraging behavior, and consider moderate lighting to enhance their glassy appearance without causing discomfort. Maintaining gentle water flow will cater to their mid-swimming zone preference while encouraging natural behaviors.

What Do Indian Glassy Fishs Eat?

These fish exhibit moderate feeding speeds and can compete for food if not adequately spaced during feeding. Offering a varied diet will support their health and enhance their coloration, but be mindful of food types that may not suit their feeding habits, as this can lead to malnutrition or health issues.

Indian Glassy Fish Tank Mates

Ideal companions include similarly sized, non-aggressive species that occupy different tank zones to minimize direct competition. Caution is needed with more boisterous fish, as their semi-aggressive tendencies can lead to stress or territorial disputes. When housed in groups, ensure they have sufficient space to establish their own territories to prevent conflicts.

Are Indian Glassy Fishs Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate the importance of tank structure, leading to stressed fish in barren environments. Overcrowding can also be a significant issue, as these fish require space to establish territories and avoid aggression.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.