Glass perchlets or glassfishes are members of Ambassidae (Chandidae) family. They are distributed mainly in Asia and Oceania waters. They are identified as a family by their small and semi transparent body, and single and deeply notched dorsal fin. They are distinguished from cardinalfishes by having 3 anal spines besides a single dorsal fin.
Most species occur in shallow depth of coastal waters, mangrove shores and brackish estuaries, although some live entirely in fresh-water rivers. They are mostly nocturnal, spending the day among the roots of mangrove trees, log snags, and aquatic plants. They feed on small crustaceans, aquatic and terrestrial insects, and small fishes.
There are 8 genera and about 48 species worldwide. Malaysia is represented by 3 genera and about 12 species.
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Scientific Name: Ambassis buruensis Bleeker, 1856 English Name: Buru Glass Perchlet Local Malay Name: Seriding Buru, Pridin Main Diagnostic Features: Mouth small, maxilla not exceeding beyond the vertical front border of eye. First dorsal spine short. Dorsal-fin membrane between the second and third spines black. Caudal fin deeply forked with yellowish and black hind margin. Size: Maximum total length 8.2 cm. 
Scientific Name: Ambassis gymnocephalus (Lacepède, 1802) English Name: Bald Glassy, Naked-head Glassy Perchlet Local Malay Name: Seriding Putih, Seriding Botak, Pridin Size: Maximum total length 16.0 cm.  |