Parambassis wolffii
Duskyfin Glass Fish
Last revised 2026Edit this page
On this page11 sections
Quick factsEdit
Difficulty5 of 8 measures
- 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
EditHabitat
Write a noteEditIt inhabits slow-moving and standing waters, including floodplains.
Aquarium size
Write a noteEdit120 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm48 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in - ~108 litres~29 US gal.
Maintenance
Write a noteEditA 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
EditTemperature: 18 – 25 °C64 – 77 °F
pH: 6.5-8.0
Hardness: 8-20°H
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Diet
Write a noteEditThis 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
Write a noteEditP. 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
Write a noteEditUnknown. Adult females will most likely be fuller in the belly when inbreeding condition.
Reproduction
Write a noteEditNot thought to have been bred in captivity, although the process is probably similar to that of Chanda ranga.
Notes
EditThis species is an infrequent import. It is very common in it's native countries, where it is used as a food fish.
Species images · 1
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Also missing: taxonomic authority, etymology.
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