Home · Ambassidae · Macleayi's glassfish
Macleayi's glassfish (Ambassis macleayi) — Ambassidae

Macleayi's glassfish

Ambassis macleayi
Family: Ambassidae
LC · Least Concern

The Macleayi's glassfish (Ambassis macleayi) is a freshwater fish of the family Ambassidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Macleay's glassfish is a glassfish (Ambassidae) from northern Australia and New Guinea. The species is small and has a deep, laterally compressed, translucent body through which the spine and organs are visible. It lives along the vegetated margins of streams and swamps, often among dense aquatic plants, and forms schools. It feeds mainly on small crustaceans and insect larvae. It is a popular aquarium fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Macleayi's glassfish?

The Macleayi's glassfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Macleayi's glassfish live?

The Macleayi's glassfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Macleayi's glassfish get?

The Macleayi's glassfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Macleayi's glassfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Macleayi's glassfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Macleayi's glassfish edible?

The Macleayi's glassfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Macleays glasbaars sourced
English name
Macleayi's glassfish verified
Scientific name
Ambassis macleayi
Family
Ambassidae
Other names
Macleay's glass perchlet; Macleay's glassfish; Macleay's perchlet; Network perchlet; Reticulated glassfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ambassis

More from the family Ambassidae

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