Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) Species Profile & Care Guide
Glass Catfish is a freshwater ray-finned fish of the catfish family. They get their name from their translucent body that lets you see their organs and bones.
Unlike other typical catfish that you see sucking on rocks, tank sides and feeding on the bottom, this species although they do have barbels have chosen the free-swimming lifestyle instead.
The Glass catfish is a very peaceful and timid fish that keeps to themselves, only going for cover when disturbed, therefore, making a great addition to a community tank.
| Quick Facts | |
| Scientific Name | Kryptopterus vitreolus |
| Other Names | Ghost Catfish, Phantom Catfish |
| Family | Siluridae |
| Genus | Kryptopterus |
| Origins | Thailand |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 6 - 8 years |
| Water Conditions | |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Temperature | 75 - 81 ℉ (23.9 - 27.2 ℃) |
| PH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 1 - 12 |
| KH | 8 - 12 |
Natural Habitat of the Glass Catfish
Glass Catfish inhabit moderate moving waters with plenty of plant coverage for shelter. They are found in river basins in the Cardamom Mountains and in rivers south of the Isthmus of Kra that drain into the Gulf of Thailand.
They mostly stay in the middle of the water column and rarely stray too far from the safety of the river bed.
Other Catfish of interest
Diet
Glass Catfish will eat a wide range of food that includes flakes, granules or pellets as long as they are small enough for their tiny mouths.
They do, however, prefer to eat live foods such as tubifex, bloodworm, and white worms, and frozen foods such as Brine shrimp, Mysis and Daphnia.
Sexing the Glass Catfish
Unfortunately, there is no possible way to differentiate a male from a female.
Breeding the Glass Catfish
There is very little information on how to breed Glass catfish, and there have only been whispers of success in some far East farms.
In this species natural habitat they breed in the rainy season so one could simulate this in the home aquarium to motivate a female to breed. You will also need to feed them plenty of live foods to encourage the females to scatter her eggs on the plants provided in the tank, and once successful The eggs will hatch after 3-4 days.
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