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Humphead Glassfish

Humphead Perchlet Family: Chandidae
(Previously: Ambassidae)

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Parambassis pulcinella Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken Childs

   With the large hump on their head and their semi-transparent body this relative newcomer to the aquarium hobby, the Humphead Glassfish, has become an instant success story!

   It is unusual for a fish of this size to remain hidden from the science community for so long but somehow this beauty did. The Humphead Glassfish or Humphead Perchlet wasn’t scientifically described until 2003! They are freshwater Asiatic glassfish in the Chandidae family (previously Ambassidae).

   There are many “new” species coming from their homeland of Myanmar, and this may be due in part to the past political climate of that country. Only recently has science had relatively free access to the waters of Myanmar (formerly Burma).

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   The Humphead Glassfish was described by Kottelat in 2003. The Humphead Glassfish or Humphead Perchlet are found in Asia, from the Ataran River basin in Myanmar. It is believed they occur in clear waters of large streams near rapids or fast moving currents.

Status:
   The Humphead Glassfish is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
   The silvery transparent Humphead Glassfish is a deep-bodied species and laterally compressed. It's remarkable characteristic is a spectacular nuchal hump, similar to that found in many of the large South American cichlids. Both males and females will have a hump, but the male's will be larger.

Size - Weight:
   These fish can get up to about 4 inches (10 cm).

Care and feeding:
   The Humphead Glassfish is omnivorous. This is a hardy fish that is easy to maintain. Once they have settled in, they will eat most fresh, frozen, or dried aquarium foods.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   The Humphead Glassfish or Humphead Perchlet will swim in most parts of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Ph: 7.0 - 8.0
   Temp: 74 - 82° F (23 – 28° C)

Social Behaviors:
   Other species should not be bothered, but the Humphead Glassfish will sometimes quarrel among themselves. Some recommend that you keep a group of 8 or 10 to reduce tensions, or alternatively keep 3 or 4 in a species tank with only one being male.

Sexual Differences:
   Males have a prominent hump on their foreheads. Females may also have a hump but it will be noticeably smaller than the males.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   The Humphead Glassfish has not yet been bred in captivity.

Availability:
   The Humphead Glassfish or Humphead Perchlet are commonly available at present, but will usually command a high price. Availablility may vary, depending on the political climate in Myanmar and their relationship with the rest of the world.

Author: Ken Childs

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Latest Comments
I love this fish. I fell in love with it the second I saw it in my local store. It acclimatized quickly and fits perfectly with my community. Alex H. 2008-12-06
I just acquired 4 humpheads about a week ago. They are not only very hardy, but prehistorically beautiful! I love these fish! Patti Jo 2008-03-29
The Humpback is very beautiful! It's a unique glass fish with scales than shine like a rainbow. Regards Edmund Loke/Singapore edmundlkm 2007-10-25
i love it Dylan 2006-05-22

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Author: Ken Childs
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