Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhis)

From The Aquarium Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
No Image.png
Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus bicirrhis

114 Litres (30 US G.)

12.7-15.2cm (5-6 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.5 - 7.5

24.4-27.8°C (76 -82 °F)

6-10 °d

2:3 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Siluridae



Additional names

Glass Catfish, Glass Cats, Ghost Catfish

Additional scientific names

Kryptopterus bicirrus, Cryptopterichthys bicirrhis, Kryptopterus minor, Silurus bicirrhis


Origin

Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins; Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo.


Sexing

These fish are difficult to sex, however, females are a little plumper when mature.


Tank compatibility

Does well in a peaceful community tank with similar sized fish. Keep this fish in groups of 4 or more, they do not do well singly. Do not keep with aggressive fish as these catfish will be bullied.


Diet

Will accept most foods including pellet and flake, benefits from live foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

This fish can be quite sensitive to water conditions, so is best suited to mature tanks with regular small water changes. Requires plenty of hiding places as well as some open swimming space. Originates from slow moving pieces of water with dense vegetation.


Behaviour

Passive and can be shy and very accepting of their own species. This is a tight schooling fish and needs the company of its own kind.


Identification

An elongated laterally compressed and distinctive catfish. The body is seemingly entirely transparent, bar the head which is silver, with internal organs and backbone visible. The body can have iridescent rainbow colours in the right light. The catfish has a long pair of barbels and the fins are also clear, the dorsal fin is present but very tiny.
This fish is often mistaken for the smaller and more commonly imported Kryptopterus vitreolus.

Pictures

External links