Glass Catfish

Glass Catfish Care Guide

Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) are peaceful, transparent fish that bring a fascinating and delicate beauty to community aquariums. Their unique appearance and shoaling behavior make them a standout choice for well-maintained tanks.

Overview

• Scientific Name: Kryptopterus vitreolus
• Common Name: Glass Catfish (also sold as Ghost Catfish)
• Synonyms: None
• Distribution: Western Borneo, Indonesia
• Maximum Size: 7 cm (2.76")
• Temperature Range: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• Water Parameters: pH 6.0–8.0, dH up to 20; adaptable to a wide range of conditions.
• Lighting: Low, with diffused light preferred.
• Compatibility: Peaceful community species.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Unknown.

Description & Habitat

Glass Catfish are an unusual and stunning species with a completely transparent body, making their internal organs and muscle structure visible. This oddball species thrives in groups of 6 or more and requires a well-planted aquarium to replicate its natural habitat:

• Natural Habitat: Slow-moving waters with dense vegetation in Western Borneo.
• Tank Setup: Provide both gentle and moderate water currents, as well as floating plants to diffuse light and create shaded areas.
• Social Behavior: Highly social and shy, Glass Catfish are best kept in shoals to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

Feeding

Glass Catfish can be finicky eaters but thrive on a diet rich in frozen and live foods:

• Staples: Small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, cyclops, and brine shrimp.
• Notes: They may be reluctant to eat dried foods. Avoid purchasing these fish if you cannot provide a steady supply of frozen or live food.

Breeding

Breeding Glass Catfish in home aquariums is rare, and detailed reports are not widely available:

• Reproductive Method: Egg scatterers.
• Conditions: It is believed they require soft water for spawning.