Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus)

The glass catfish, or Kryptopterus vitreolus as they are scientifically called, are intriguing freshwater fish that enthrall aquarium enthusiasts with their unusually transparent bodies. These fish, which are native to Southeast Asia, are well-liked in the aquarium hobby due to their eye-catching look and serene disposition.

Because of their translucent bodies, which highlight their bones and organs, these delicate fish are frequently referred to as phantom or ethereal. Because of their transparency, which gives them an almost otherworldly appearance, fish aficionados who value unique and exotic species love them.

Glass catfish are distinguished not only by their appearance but also by their peaceful disposition and schooling habits. They are happiest when kept in groups, when their graceful swimming together enchants viewers into any aquarium. Glass catfish could be the ideal addition to your tank if you’re searching for a fish that will stand out in both appearance and behavior.

Habitat and Range

Originating in southeast Asia, it is unique to Thailand, where it can be found in the Cardamom Mountains (Khao Bantat) river basin and in rivers that flow into the Gulf of Thailand south of the Isthmus of Kra. Unverified reports have also come from Penang and Malaysia.

Inhabits river systems in southeast Thailand that are covered in thick vegetation. It usually forms fairly dense schools when left in the wild.

Its status in the wild needs to be investigated, according to Ng and Kottelat (2013), because it is heavily harvested for the aquarium trade, has a small range, and doesn’t seem to have ever been commercially bred.

Description

The body is flattened laterally and elongated. The tiny, one-rayed dorsal fin is situated right behind the head and is nearly always pressed up against the body. The transparent anal begins at the head and continues to the bifurcated caudal fin, which is likewise transparent. Absence of adipose fin. On the upper jaw is a long pair of barbels.

The body of this species is transparent due to a lack of pigmentation in the scales and body. The spine and internal organs are easily visible.

Another term for it is "ghostly / phantom" due to the color of the body. The fish’s body is so transparent that you can see both the aquarium’s scenery and its internal anatomy through it.

The catfish remains transparent and takes on different rainbow hues with a metallic sheen depending on the lighting.

Size:

They hardly ever grow to be longer than 80 mm in aquarium settings.

The transparent bodies of glass catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus), which allow you to see their internal organs and bones, make them fascinating aquarium fish. Aquarists who wish to add a distinctive and eye-catching species to their tanks frequently choose for these tranquil, schooling fish. They make fascinating and delicate pets for seasoned hobbyists, requiring a clean, quiet home with lots of hiding places and a group of their own kind to thrive.

Behavior and compatibility

A gregarious and schooling fish should be housed in groups of six or more to prevent illness in the catfish.

Given their extreme calmness and slight timidity, their neighbors can only be other small, calm fish of the same species, such as dwarf cichlids, danios, rasboras, corydoras, guppies, and various kinds of characins and labyrinths.

In biologically immature aquariums that are susceptible to changes in the water’s chemical composition, do not plant.

Aquarium

A container with a capacity of 70–100 liters and minimum dimensions of 90 * 30 cm are required for a flock.

When closing the aquarium, try to create an environment that is as similar to the natural one as possible by planting lots of plants and leaving space for fishing.

Although they are not required, floating plants that spread out the upper light make the catfish feel more secure. In the aquarium, you can produce a moderate water current. Dark-hued small gravel or sand makes an excellent soil substitute for natural scenery snags.

Glass catfish feel more at ease in the shaded parts of the aquarium, so the lighting should be soft and dispersed.

Water parameters:

Temperature range: 21–27 °C pH range: 5.5–7.0; StRESS: 4–15 ° DGH

Temperature swings should not be permitted.

Since fish are sensitive to both the purity and nitrate and ammonia content of the water, effective filtration with aeration and regular replacement of 25% of the water with fresh water are required.

Feeding

It is advisable to vary their diet, as they enjoy eating live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex, daphnia, and carter. They readily take dry food in the form of sinking flakes and granules, but since the fish have small mouths, it’s crucial that they be tiny.

The primary distinction between ghost catfish and other catfish is that the former prefer to gather food in the water column or on plant leaves rather than from the bottom.

Sexual Dimorphism

The fish are only distinguishable once they reach puberty, but the females are bigger and fuller than the males.

They take 1.5 to 2 years to reach sexual maturity.

Breeding

Rare and typically unintentional is breeding. Nearly all fish that are sold are obtained from natural reservoirs or farmed on specialized farms in Southeast Asia. Nonetheless, successful reproduction in captivity still occurs occasionally.

The producers must first be ready, and the catfish must be fed a complete diet of live food. Since they procreate in the rainy season in the wild, you must simulate rain in the aquarium in order to encourage spawning. To do this, change the water in the aquarium every day by 1/4 of its total volume. Lower the water’s temperature to 22–24 °C and cut its normal level in half. Add 5 percent of the aquarium’s total volume (or a tiny amount) of soft water each day.

The spawning tank’s water parameters are 20–24 °C, pH 6.8–7.0, and dH up to 5–6.

Although paired spawning is also possible, they typically spawn in schools. Typically, the female deposits several hundred eggs on plant leaves. The adults are then taken out of the spawning tank. The fry start to swim and ingest live dust after the 5-7 day incubation period. Start giving the fry brine shrimp nauplii that have just hatched.

The life expectancy in captivity is approximately five years.

Category Description
Scientific Name Kryptopterus vitreolus
Common Name Glass Catfish
Origin Thailand
Size Up to 8 cm (3 inches)
Temperament Peaceful, schooling fish
Water Temperature 24-28°C (75-82°F)
pH Range 6.0-7.0
Diet Omnivorous, prefers small live or frozen food
Aquarium Size At least 75 liters (20 gallons)
Lifespan Up to 8 years

Glass catfish, with their translucent bodies that display their internal structures, are a distinctive and alluring addition to any aquarium. They are excellent community fish because of their calm disposition, but groups of at least six are necessary for them to thrive.

Well-planted tank, soft water, and a peaceful atmosphere will encourage them to behave naturally and make them feel safe. Even though they might be a little reserved at first, they will develop into an engaging and lively presence in your aquarium with the right care and attention.

It is crucial to comprehend the requirements of these delicate fish for their well-being, as they require specialized care. Glass catfish may add many years of peaceful, captivating beauty to your tank with the correct setup and consistent care.

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Anton Popov

A professional aquarist with over 15 years of experience. Main specialization - marine aquariums and creating optimal conditions for keeping rare species of fish and corals. I am fond of aquascaping, actively participate in international competitions. I love to share knowledge and experience to help others create the beauty of the underwater world at home.

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