Elongate glassy perchlet
Small translucent fish from South Asian waters
The elongate glassy perchlet is a small freshwater and brackish water species native to South Asia. It reaches 11 centimetres in length and feeds on insect larvae and fish scales. Local communities harvest it for food, and it has been studied for its role in controlling mosquito populations.
- Reaches a maximum length of 11 centimetres
- Feeds on mosquito larvae and fish scales
- Found in fresh and brackish waters
- Native to South Asia from Pakistan to Burma
- Sold for food in local markets
What it is
The elongate glassy perchlet is a small fish belonging to the Asiatic glassfish family. It is the sole member of its genus. Adults grow to a maximum length of 11 centimetres. The body is slender and adapted for life in shallow waters. Its translucent appearance is characteristic of many relatives in the glassfish group. This species is distinct from other former members of its genus, such as the Indian glassy fish.
Where it lives
This species is native to the Indomalayan realm in South Asia. Its distribution extends from Pakistan in the west to Burma in the east. It thrives in varied aquatic environments including canals, ponds, and slow-moving streams. Flooded rice paddies also provide suitable habitat. The fish tolerates both fresh and brackish conditions. Populations often increase in number during the rainy season when these habitats expand.
How it lives
The diet of this perchlet includes mosquito larvae and various worms. It also exhibits lepidophagy, meaning it consumes the scales of other fish. This feeding behaviour may help control parasite loads in local ecosystems. By eating mosquito larvae, the species potentially aids in reducing malaria vectors. It lives in shallow, often stagnant or slow-flowing waters where such prey is abundant.
Fish and people
Local fisheries harvest this small fish for consumption. It is commonly sold in regional markets as a food source. Beyond its culinary use, researchers have noted its potential utility in biological control. Its habit of eating mosquito larvae suggests it could help manage malaria risks. The fish is known by several local names, including variations of chanda and perchlet.
Questions people ask about Elongate glassy perchlet
What does the elongate glassy perchlet eat?
It feeds on mosquito larvae, worms, and the scales of other fishes. This diet includes lepidophagy, which is the practice of eating fish scales.
Where is this fish found?
It is native to South Asia, ranging from Pakistan to Burma. It lives in canals, ponds, streams, and flooded rice paddies.
Is this fish used for food?
Yes, the species is harvested and sold for food in local markets throughout its native range in South Asia.
Good reading and sources
- Elongate glassy perchlet on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Elongate glassy perchlet", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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