The largest species reaches a maximum size around 26 cm (10 in). Many of the species are noted for their transparent or semitransparent bodies.[4]
Several species are used as aquarium fish, noted for their transparent bodies. The Indian glassy fish (Parambassis ranga) is transparent, but showier specimens that had been injected with artificial coloring were sold as novelty pets in the 1990s. Since then, these "painted fish" have become much less popular, with more fishkeepers seeking naturally pigmented specimens.[5]
Dapalis, a fossil ambassid that was extremely common throughout Europe during the mid-Cenozoic
The earliest fossil remains of this family are from the Early Eocene, with the fossil genus Kapurdia from the early Eocene of Rajasthan, India[6] and otoliths of Ambassis antipodus from the Early Eocene of New Zealand.[7] One of the most notable fossil members of the family is Dapalis, which appears to be a stem group-glassfish that was dominant in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems throughout Europe from the Middle Eocene to Middle Miocene, with 21 species known from both fossil skeletons and otoliths.[8][9]
Naming history
The family has also been called Chandidae, and some sources continue to use the name. Because Ambassidae was used first, in 1870, it has precedence over Chandidae, which was first used in 1905.[10]
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ambassidae.
