A highly unique, completely transparent catfish from Thailand. Unlike most catfish, they are mid-water swimmers that require being kept in schools to feel secure. They are incredibly peaceful and easily outcompeted for food. They require stable water parameters and dim lighting or shaded areas provided by floating plants.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Keep water parameters stable with the right testing and heating gear.
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard transparent Glass Catfish. Highly gregarious; it must be kept in a group of at least 5 (preferably 6+) to prevent extreme stress and wasting away. Often faces directly into the flow of the filter output.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesGlass Catfish Care Guide Summary
The Glass Catfish, scientifically known as Kryptopterus vitreolus, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Glass Catfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
The Glass Catfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Glass Catfish is typically available in one standard form.
Glass Catfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Glass Catfish, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Glass Catfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Glass Catfish is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Glass Catfish.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Catfish
How big does Glass Catfish get?
Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Glass Catfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Glass Catfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Glass Catfish need?
Glass Catfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Glass Catfish peaceful or aggressive?
Glass Catfish is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Glass Catfish live alone?
No, Glass Catfish should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Glass Catfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Glass Catfish benefits from plants - densely covered and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Similar Species
Ghost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
A completely transparent freshwater shrimp native to the southeastern United States. While frequently sold as inexpensive feeder animals, they make fascinating, active scavengers for nano and peaceful community tanks. They tirelessly consume uneaten food and detritus but have a relatively short lifespan of 1 to 2 years.
Whiptail Catfish
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A highly cryptic, peaceful, and extremely slender catfish that mimics a twig or dead leaf. They are excellent scavengers and biofilm grazers that require smooth sand and driftwood to thrive. They are completely non-aggressive, lack the heavy armor of larger plecos, and do well in peaceful community setups.
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Striped Raphael Catfish
Platydoras armatulus
A highly robust, armored catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Famous for their ability to produce audible squeaking or grunting sounds when distressed or defending territory. They are nocturnal scavengers that spend most of the day hiding in driftwood or caves. Note: Their rigid pectoral spines can easily become tangled in standard aquarium nets.
Siamese Algae Eater
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Famous for being one of the few freshwater fish that actively consumes Black Beard Algae (BBA). A torpedo-shaped, active bottom-to-midwater swimmer native to Southeast Asian streams. True Siamese Algae Eaters feature a distinct black horizontal stripe that extends all the way through the tail fin. As they mature, they can become lazy, preferring prepared foods over algae, and may occasionally chase other bottom dwellers.
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
A hardy, small, and colorful fish native to East Asia. Extremely popular in the outdoor pond hobby and nano aquariums. They are 'amphidromous' (tolerant of salinity changes) and can survive a wide range of temperatures, making them excellent tub/pond fish. They are surface dwellers that look best when viewed from above (top-down).