Glass Catfish care guide
Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 6-7.
Overview
The Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) is a silurid from southern Thailand, recognised by an almost completely transparent body that reveals the skeleton and internal organs. The species hovers in mid-water in tight shoals, facing into the current.
Taxonomy
- Family: Siluridae
- Genus: Kryptopterus
- Scientific name: Kryptopterus vitreolus
- Common synonyms: Ghost Catfish, Phantom Catfish
Habitat
Native to clear, slow- to moderately flowing forest streams in southern Thailand and adjacent Cambodia, in soft, slightly acidic water with shaded vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 5-8 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7
- GH: 3-10 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
A micro-carnivore. Offer small live or frozen foods (cyclops, daphnia, baby brine shrimp, bloodworms) and occasional micro-pellets. The species feeds in mid-water and may ignore food on the substrate.
Compatibility
A peaceful shoaling species best kept in groups of six or more in a planted, dimly lit aquarium with gentle flow. Compatible with other peaceful nano fish such as small rasboras, Corydoras and dwarf shrimp.
Breeding
Captive breeding is rarely reported; the species is sensitive to water quality and reproductive cues are not well documented.