Tag Archives: Parambassis

Parambassis lala Bred

21. September 2022

The dwarf glass perch, Parambassis lala, is widely distributed in South Asia; it can be found in India, Burma and Nepal. In the past this dwarf, which never grows larger than 2-3 cm, was mistaken for the juvenile of other species, which is why completely wrong size data (up to 8 cm) and also completely wrong ecological data (supposedly it is a brackish water fish, but this is not true) can be found in the literature. In reality P. lala lives only in pure fresh water and remains small.

However, there are several forms of this species, which may yet turn out to be separate species upon closer inspection. We occasionally receive wild-caught specimens from India (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/parambassis-lala-2/), but we also receive captive-bred specimens from Southeast Asia. In our country dwarf glassfish are rarely bred, because the feeding reflex of the larvae is only triggered by the nauplii of a certain small crustacean species (Diaptomus). Without this food, an attempt at rearing is pretty much futile. 

Dwarf glassfish are delightful aquarium inhabitants, always “strutting” around the tank like little tin soldiers. The males court the females spiritedly, but without becoming aggressive. Spawning takes place in fine plants, brood care is not practiced by dwarf glassfish.

Concerning the water (pH, hardness) Dwarf Glassfish are undemanding, the temperature can be between 16 and 30°C (depending on the season, no sudden temperature changes!). Eaten is exclusively frozen and live food, dry food is strictly refused.

For our customers: The dwarf glass perch has code 441282 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Parambassis pulcinella

23. March 2020

Once more we were able to import the most peculiar species of glass perch: Parambassis pulcinella. This freshwater fish originates from clear streams in the border region between Thailand and Burma. The maximum size reported so far is about 10 cm. Against conspecifics the species is rather peaceful. They tend to tease each other sometimes over a short period, but this is harmless. It is best to keep this fish in groups of 8-10 specimens. In our experience, a strong current is very beneficial for the well-being of the animals. Like all glass perches, this species needs live and frozen food as food, dry food is usually refused. 

Nobody knows what the odd hump is good for. But the males have a larger hump than the females, so the hump may have do something with the sexual life of the animals. However, nothing about the sexual life of Parambassis pulcinella is known yet.

For our customers: the fish have code 441294 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Parambassis lala

15. August 2017

The Indian Glass Perch is an old aquarium fish, the first importation was as early as 1905. Nevertheless there are still totally wrong rumours on it. So it is often said that P. lala would prefer brackish water. But this is nonsense the fish occurs exclusively in pure freshwater where it lives in schools.

Due to confusion with other, similar species it is also often said that P. lala would reach a length of about 8 cm. In fact P. lala never becomes larger than 3-4 cm. Males of P. lala have a very pretty whitish-blue seam along the anal and the dorsal fin, which lacks in females. Keeping the Indian Glass Perch is easy, but the fish not accept dried food, but only frozen or live food items.

For our customers: the fish have code 441282 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer