Family: Ambassidae
Distribution: Chanda nama, sometimes known as the Elongate Glass-Perchlet, is distributed in parts of Asia, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and India. It is most abundant during the rainy season, and is found mostly in clear streams, canals, ponds, and paddy fields.
PH: 7.5 – 8.5
Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75 – 84F)
Hardness: 12 – 18 dH
Description: Chanda nama, a species which is often harvested and sold at markets, can reach up to 11 cm in length. As you might imagine, the Glassfish species gets its name from its glass-like – almost see-through – appearance. Males will have longer fins and slightly brighter colouration.
Diet: This species of Glassfish will have a distinct preference for live or frozen foods, as opposed to flake and pelleted foods. Given this is one of the larger Glassfish species, it will appreciate earthworms and river shrimps as part of its live-food diet. Small Glassfish have a love of lobster eggs, and you could provide these as a special treat.
Breeding: There is not much specific information available on the breeding requirements of Chanda nama, but it is most likely that an increase in temperature and the addition of fresh water will trigger spawning. Glassfish lay their eggs among plants, and these eggs hatch within 24 hours. It is reportedly tough to raise the fry because they do not actively chase food, but it might be a good idea to try feeding them small nauplii in the first few days.
Comments: Chanda nama can be housed in a similar way to most community fish; it will not eat your plants or dig massive holes in your substrate. It might be an idea to add bushy plants to your tank in order to catch its eggs. Make sure you provide the Elongate Glass-Perchlet with plenty of open space to swim in. This species should be housed in a tank of at least 20 gallons in volume.
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Recommended Compatible Species: They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
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