Parambassis wolffii

Duskyfin Glass Fish

Classification

Ambassidae

Distribution

Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia.

Habitat

It inhabits slow-moving and standing waters, including floodplains.

Maximum Standard Length

8″ (20cm), although it does not usually attain this in aquaria.

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

48″ x 12″ x 12″ (120cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 110 litres.

Maintenance

A dark substrate will help to make this shy species less nervous and will also encourage it to display its best colours. Provide cover by planting some areas of the tank densely, along with some floating vegetation. Rocks and driftwood can also be used. This is a freshwater species and does not require the addition of salt to its tank.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 64-77°F (18-25°C)

pH: 6.5-8.0

Hardness: 8-20°H

Diet

This species is more predatory than other commonly imported Parambassis species. Although it will usually accept dried foods, these should not form the basis of the diet. Offer live foods such as small earthworms, bloodworm etc. Frozen prawns, bloodworm and brine shrimp should also be provided.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

P. wolffii is predatory by nature and any small tankmates will be eaten. It is best kept with larger species such as gouramis, medium-sized barbs, rainbowfish etc. It is a shoaling species and does best when kept in a group of at least 6.

Sexual Dimorphism

Unknown. Adult females will most likely be fuller in the belly when inbreeding condition.

Reproduction

Not thought to have been bred in captivity, although the process is probably similar to that of P. ranga.

NotesTop ↑

This species is an infrequent import. It is very common in it’s native countries, where it is used as a food fish.