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Glass catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus)
Photo: Martin Fisch · CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Glass catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus · Siluridae

Also known as Ghost catfish

Intermediate

Fully transparent and shoaling — it must be kept in numbers or it wastes away.

In short: A glass catfish needs at least 110 L (29 US gal), water at 23–28 °C (73–82 °F) and pH 6–7.5. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 6 or more, and rated intermediate to keep.

Minimum tank
110 L (29 US gal)
Temperature
23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
pH
6–7.5
Adult size
7 cm (2.8 in)
Group size
6+

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume
110 L (29 US gal)
Temperature
23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Lifespan
5–8 years
Diet
Carnivore — frozen bloodworm, brine, small sinking pellets.
Care level
Intermediate

Origin & habitat

Native region
Southern Thailand
Water type
Freshwater
Biotope
Shaded, flowing forest streams
Natural conditions
Soft to medium water with moderate flow and shade.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament
Peaceful
Minimum group
6 fish
Swims
Mid-water
Good tank mates
Rasboras
Corydoras
Honey gourami
Avoid
Fin nippers
Solitary keeping

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty
Advanced
Sexing
Not reliably sexable.
Notes
Very rarely spawned in captivity.
Common ailments
Wasting when kept alone
Ich
Skittish stress
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