Indian amber glassfish

Parambassis lala

Also known as Dwarf glassfish, Highfin glassy perchlet, Indian amber glass fish

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6.5–7.8
Adult size: 1.2 in (3 cm)
Minimum tank: 11 gal (40 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Schooling
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Hard
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Ganges and Brahmaputra lowlands, India and Bangladesh
Family: Ambassidae

Overview

The Indian amber glassfish is a naturally colored dwarf glassfish, the honest alternative to the dyed painted glassfish of the trade. It is a peaceful, schooling fish, so keep a group of at least six to eight, which brings out the males and their warm amber bodies and orange-edged fins. It is a micropredator with a tiny mouth, so feed small foods: newly hatched brine shrimp, Daphnia, micro-worms, frozen cyclops and finely crushed dry food. Keep it with other small, gentle fish that will not outcompete it. A planted tank of about 40 liters or more, with soft flow, suits a school.

In the wild

Parambassis lala lives in the weedy backwaters, ponds and slow channels of the Ganges and Brahmaputra lowlands in India and Bangladesh. Give it a planted tank with open midwater between the plants, gentle flow and some floating cover to soften the light. It does well in slightly hard, near-neutral water, about pH 6.5 to 7.8, kept warm from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. A mature tank with fine live foods drifting in the water suits its constant grazing.

Good to know

Parambassis lala is the true dwarf glassfish of the Ambassidae, reaching only about 3 centimeters, smaller than the common Indian glassfish it is often confused with. Three faint bars sit behind the eye, and breeding males take on a natural amber body with orange-edged fins. Its transparent flanks show the backbone and swim bladder through the sides. Egg-scattering spawning is possible but not easy in aquaria.

Did you know

For years dyed glassfish were sold under injected neon colors that harmed the fish, while this species arrived already wearing a soft natural amber, no needle required.

Tank mates

Indian amber glassfish is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.