Indian glass fish

Parapriacanthus guentheri

Occurring in

Red Sea

1-30m

NightActive

not endangered

Alongside Parapriacanthus sharm, this species is one of only two members of its family found in the Red Sea. They’re actually a pretty recent discovery — first identified in 2016! These fish have a yellowish-green head, and their body is semi-transparent with a light brownish-grey tint.

Habitat

Rocky Reef

Coral reef

Special features

Alongside Parapriacanthus sharm, this species is one of only two members of its family found in the Red Sea. They’re actually a pretty recent discovery — first identified in 2016!

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Appearance

These fish have a yellowish-green head, and their body is semi-transparent with a light brownish-grey tint. Delicate and subtle, but beautiful!

Natural enemies

Predatory fish

Dangerous/Venomous

Golden sweeper are neither dangerous nor venomous.

Sketch

parapriacanthus guentheri_divedict_fish_fisch_red_sea_rotes_meer_underwater_diving_tauchen_meer_biologie

1. Enormous eyes

2. Shinethrough body; visible skeleton

Pro tips

You’ll have the best luck finding them in lagoons, bays, and sheltered areas along outer reefs.
During the day, they hang out in tight, stationary schools — often tucked away under ledges, in caves, or within crevices.
At night, they venture out on their own to feed on plankton.
Interestingly, the two species found in the Red Sea look a bit different from other sweepers — instead of the typical downward-bulging belly, their bodies are more elongated and streamlined.

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Text: Carolina Leiter

Pic: Felician Hosp

Illustration: Dive Dict