Elongate glassy perchlet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elongate glassy perchlet |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chanda
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| Species: |
nama
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| Synonyms | |
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The elongate glassy perchlet (Chanda nama) is a small, see-through freshwater fish. It belongs to the Asiatic glassfish family called Ambassidae. This fish is special because it is the only species in its genus Chanda. This means it's the only type of fish in that specific group.
You can find the elongate glassy perchlet in parts of south Asia. Its home stretches from Pakistan all the way to Burma.
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What is the Elongate Glassy Perchlet?
The elongate glassy perchlet is a small fish. It can grow up to about 11 centimeters (or 4.3 inches) long. Its body is quite clear, which is why it's called "glassy."
Where Does This Fish Live?
This fish loves to live in different watery places. You can find it in canals, ponds, and streams. It also lives in flooded rice fields. It can survive in both fresh water and slightly salty water (called brackish water). You'll see many of them during the rainy season.
What Does the Elongate Glassy Perchlet Eat?
The elongate glassy perchlet has an interesting diet. It eats mosquito larvae, which are baby mosquitoes. It also enjoys eating small worms. Sometimes, it even eats the scales of other fish! This is a special way of feeding called lepidophagy.
Because it eats mosquito larvae, this fish might be helpful. It could help control mosquitoes that spread diseases like malaria. It might also help control other tiny living things that cause problems (parasites).
How People Use This Fish
In some local markets, people catch and sell these fish. They are used as food in those areas.
Other Glassfish Species
Many years ago, some other fish from the Ambassidae family were thought to be in the Chanda genus. However, scientists later moved them to different groups. For example, the well-known Indian glassy fish (Parambassis ranga) is a popular "glassfish" in aquariums. Another one is the high-finned glass perchlet (Parambassis lala). These fish are no longer considered part of the Chanda genus.
Other Names for This Fish
The elongate glassy perchlet has many local names. People often call it "perchlet." They also use names like "chanda" or "channa," which are similar to its scientific genus name. Around the world, it is sometimes known as the "elongated glassfish."
