Glass Catfish, lat. Kryptopterus vitreolus- Kryptopterus vitreolus distribution
Family: Siluridae;
Genus: Kryptopterus;
Species and synonyms: Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus, Glass Catfish, Ghost Catfish, Phantom Catfish, Indischer Glaswels).
GBIF:
Glass Catfish (lat. Kryptopterus vitreolus) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Siluriformes, family Siluridae, genus Kryptopterus. One of the most unusual and popular aquarium fish due to its translucent body.
Distribution. The natural range of the Glass Catfish covers rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, mainly in Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Kalimantan. The fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in rivers, canals and floodplain lakes with dense vegetation.
Care requirements. The Glass Catfish is a schooling fish that grows up to 8–10 cm in the aquarium. To keep a school (minimum 6–8 specimens), an aquarium of at least 80 liters with a length of 60 cm is recommended. It is important to keep them in schools, as they are social fish and become shy without companions. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Filtration with moderate flow, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, stones and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants are planted in the substrate, creating dense thickets, and open swimming areas are left.
Glass Catfish are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, worms and zooplankton in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality fine flakes, pellets, live and frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, daphnia). It is important to vary the diet and provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Glass Catfish are active in the middle and upper water layers. They are peaceful and get along well with any peaceful fish. Recommended tankmates include tetras, rasboras, danios, small barbs, gouramis, corydoras and any peaceful fish. It is not recommended to keep them with large or aggressive fish that may bully them or mistake them for food.
Breeding in home aquariums is extremely difficult and rarely occurs in hobby aquariums. Glass Catfish are egg-laying fish, but spawning requires special conditions and hormonal stimulation. Sexual differences are weakly expressed. In the aquarium hobby, most fish come from the wild or specialized farms.
The Glass Catfish gets its name from its translucent body, through which internal organs and skeleton are visible. This makes the fish almost invisible in the water and serves as natural protection against predators. The body is elongated, laterally compressed, silvery-transparent, with a characteristic long anal fin. Coloration can vary from completely transparent to light greenish. Life expectancy is 5–8 years.