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Parambassis wolffii

Duskyfin Glass Fish

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Last revised 2026Edit this page

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Parambassis wolffii
Parambassis wolffiiJJPhoto

Quick factsEdit

Max size
200mm SL8in SL
Aquarium size
120 × 30cm48 × 12in
Temp
18–25°C64–77°F
pH
6.5–8.0
Hardness
8–20dGH

Difficulty5 of 8 measures

Moderate

How the rating is worked out

Space
large tank
Water
flexible
Temp
flexible
Diet
unknown
Temperament
eats smaller fish
Social
needs to be in a group
Compatibility
unknown

Other demands

Each of these can raise the rating on its own, whatever the measures above say.

Hardiness
unknown

The duskyfin glass fish, Parambassis wolffii, is a large, predatory ambassid from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia. It inhabits slow-moving and standing waters, including floodplains, and is very common in its native countries, where it is used as a food fish. It grows to around 20 cm, though not usually in aquaria, and eats any small tankmates.

Distribution

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

Aquarium size

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Standard length
200mm SL8in SL
Aquarium base
120 × 30cm48 × 12in
Volume
~108litres~29US gal

120 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm48 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in - ~108 litres~29 US gal.

Maintenance

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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

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Temperature
18–25°C64–77°F
pH
6.5–8.0
Hardness
8–20dGH

Temperature: 18 – 25 °C64 – 77 °F

pH: 6.5-8.0

Hardness: 8-20°H

These recommendations come from this profile’s own figures. They contain affiliate links, so we may earn a commission.

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 compatibility

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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

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

Reproduction

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

Notes

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

Distribution

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