The glass catfish, scientifically known as Kryptopterus vitreolus, is a captivating freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand.
Appearance: As the name suggests, glass catfish are translucent, allowing you to see their internal organs, bones, and spine. They have a slender, elongated body and lack pigmentation, giving them a transparent appearance. Their fins may have a slight hint of yellowish or silver coloration.
Size: Glass catfish typically grow to a length of around 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) in captivity, although they can reach slightly larger sizes in the wild.
Habitat: In their natural habitat, glass catfish inhabit slow-moving or stagnant waters, including rivers, streams, and flooded forests, throughout Southeast Asia. They prefer densely vegetated areas with plenty of hiding spots.
Behavior: Glass catfish are generally peaceful and shoaling fish, meaning they prefer to live in groups. They feel more secure and less stressed when kept in groups of at least six individuals. They are known for their graceful swimming behavior and often hover in the midwater or near the bottom of the aquarium.
Diet: In the wild, glass catfish are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. In captivity, they readily accept a varied diet consisting of high-quality flake food, pellets, freeze-dried, and live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Tank Requirements: To keep glass catfish healthy and happy, provide them with a well-established aquarium with plenty of plants and hiding spots. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C). A tank size of at least 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of glass catfish.
Compatibility: Glass catfish are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of tankmates, including other peaceful community fish of similar size. However, avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species that may intimidate or harm them.
*Due to natural variations, the product may differ in appearance from the picture provided.*