Glass Catfish

Also known as: Kryptopterus vitreolus

The Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) is a translucent freshwater fish known for its nearly invisible body, revealing its internal organs and spine. The Glass Catfish originates from Southeast Asia, specifically found in slow-moving rivers and streams of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, often in shaded, vegetated areas with soft, acidic water., reaches Adult size: 8-10 cm in captivity, typically lives Typically 5-8 years in captivity with proper care., and is kept at 22-26°C (72-79°F).. Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Species at a glance

Origin: Southeast Asia, specifically found in slow-moving rivers and streams of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, often in shaded, vegetated areas with soft, acidic water.
Adult size: Adult size: 8-10 cm (3.1-3.9 inches) in length.
Life span: Typically 5-8 years in captivity with proper care.
Temperament: Peaceful, shy, and schooling; best kept in groups of 6 or more to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Tank size: Minimum 75 liters (20 gallons) for a small group; 115 liters (30 gallons) or larger recommended for optimal schooling and swimming space.
Water temp: 22-26°C (72-79°F).
pH range: pH 5.5-7.0 (soft to moderately soft, acidic to neutral water).
Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on small live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, supplemented with high-quality micro pellets and occasional vegetable matter.
Other names: Kryptopterus vitreolus

About the Glass Catfish

The Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) is a translucent freshwater fish known for its nearly invisible body, revealing its internal organs and spine. Native to Southeast Asia, it inhabits slow-flowing, shaded streams with dense vegetation. It is a peaceful, schooling species that thrives in groups and exhibits subtle, graceful movement. Its unique appearance makes it a popular choice for biotope and community aquariums seeking a delicate, ethereal aesthetic.

Lifespan and health

With optimal care, Glass Catfish commonly live 5-8 years, though some individuals may reach up to 10 years in exceptionally stable, well-maintained environments. Longevity is strongly influenced by consistent water quality, low stress levels, and a varied diet; sudden parameter changes or chronic overcrowding significantly reduce lifespan. Regular observation for signs of distress—such as lethargy, loss of transparency, or clamped fins—is critical for early intervention. Common health issues include bacterial infections (often manifesting as cloudy patches or fin rot) and parasitic infestations like Ichthyophthirius (Ich), particularly when stressed by poor water quality or incompatible tankmates. Fungal infections may occur on damaged barbels or skin. Preventative measures include maintaining ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm, nitrate below 20 ppm, and avoiding overstocking. Quarantine new fish for 2-4 weeks and treat outbreaks promptly with appropriate medications, ensuring they are safe for scaleless species like Glass Catfish, which are sensitive to copper-based treatments.

Overview

Care and tank setup

Tank setup should include a soft, sandy substrate to protect delicate barbels, dense planting with species like Java moss, Anubias, and floating plants to diffuse light and provide hiding spots. Gentle filtration is essential—use a sponge filter or low-flow canister to avoid strong currents that stress these shy fish. Maintain stable water parameters with weekly 25% water changes; avoid sudden shifts in temperature or pH. Glass Catfish are sensitive to poor water quality and require well-oxygenated, clean conditions to thrive. Feeding should occur 2-3 times daily with small portions of live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or microworms, supplemented with crushed flakes or micro pellets designed for small omnivores. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food quickly degrades water quality. Tankmates must be peaceful and non-aggressive; ideal companions include small tetras (e.g., Ember, Neon), rasboras, dwarf gouramis, and other shy catfish like Corydoras. Avoid larger, active, or fin-nipping species such as barbs or cichlids, which can cause stress or injury.

Adding a Glass Catfish? Research the species’ adult size and temperament carefully, quarantine new fish before introducing them to your tank, and buy from reputable aquarium stores or breeders.

Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Glass Catfish, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.