Glassfish

Adults of this species reach approximately 8 cm in length. Males can be distinguished from females by the blue edging on their dorsal and anal fins, as well as the predominance of yellow hues in their coloration. The differences become particularly noticeable during the spawning period, when their colors intensify. One of the most characteristic features of the Indian Glassfish is its semi-transparent body. The fish's internal organs are clearly visible through its skin. The practice of artificially coloring Indian Glassfish is widespread in Asia: dyes are injected into the fish's body using tools resembling tattooing machines. This procedure causes enormous harm to the fish's health, and most of them die within a few months. Despite their popularity in some Asian countries, the import of such colored fish is strictly prohibited in Europe and America, as it violates the principles of animal welfare laws.

The natural habitat of these fish spans South and Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. They can be found in a wide variety of freshwater bodies: rivers, streams, lakes, and swamps. They particularly prefer areas with dense aquatic vegetation where the current is slow or the water is stagnant.

The Indian Glassfish is a peaceful and shy species, preferring to live in schools of 6 or more individuals. During the breeding season, males may become territorial, but such behavior generally does not lead to serious skirmishes or injuries. They coexist well with non-aggressive fish of comparable size. Other fish originating from the Southeast Asian region make excellent companions.

For the comfortable keeping of a small school of these fish, an aquarium of at least 80 liters is necessary. For decoration, it is preferable to use a dark substrate, various snags, and an abundance of both rooted and floating plants. The latter, among other things, create additional shading under subdued lighting. The key to successful keeping is maintaining high water quality with optimal parameters. This is achieved by installing an effective filtration system and regularly performing essential procedures such as cleaning the aquarium of organic waste and weekly partial water changes with fresh water. When choosing a filter, it is advisable to opt for a model that does not create excessive current, as it is the primary source of water movement in the aquarium.

These fish are undemanding in their diet and readily accept most common dry, frozen, and live foods of appropriate size. For example, an excellent combination is achieved by feeding flakes mixed with bloodworms or brine shrimp.

Breeding these fish is not particularly difficult and does not require special conditions. However, raising the fry to adulthood may not be so easy. In a favorable environment and with the onset of the breeding season, the fish form temporary pairs. As noted, a sign of impending spawning in males is more intense coloration. The pair lays eggs among plants, with a clutch potentially containing up to 200 eggs. Parental instincts in these fish are weakly expressed, so immediately after spawning, they may eat their offspring. To preserve the clutch, it should be carefully transferred to a separate tank with identical water parameters. The eggs are very susceptible to fungal infections. A weak solution of Methylene blue is often used to combat this problem, but its application requires caution. More detailed information on combating this ailment can be found on the page "Fungal growth on fish eggs." The fry hatch the very next day but only begin to swim actively after 3–4 days. In the first few days, they feed on the remnants of their yolk sac, after which they switch to microscopic foods, such as brine shrimp nauplii.

If the fish has its natural color and has not been artificially colored, health problems usually do not arise. Most diseases are a consequence of improper care, which weakens the fish's immune system and makes it vulnerable to various infections.

When choosing glassfish, avoid individuals with artificial coloring, as the dye injection procedure is extremely traumatic and significantly shortens the fish's lifespan. Healthy specimens should have a natural transparent appearance, be active, and show interest in food. It is important to carefully inspect the fish for any damage, ulcers, or signs of infectious diseases, to which weakened, colored individuals are particularly susceptible. Before purchasing, it is recommended to ask the seller about the water parameters in which the fish are kept to ensure their smooth adaptation to the conditions of a home aquarium. Since glassfish are schooling fish, they should be purchased in a group of at least 6 individuals. In the store, it is advisable to observe the fish's behavior: healthy glassfish stay in a school, show no signs of apathy, and actively swim in the water column.