Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Kryptopterus bicirrhis
Silurus bicirrhis
Cryptopterus amboinensis
Common name
Glass Catfish
Origin
Origin: Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia
Biotope: Asian
Dimorphism
Not very apparent. The male is slightly thinner and its antennae are longer
Group
Siluridae
Volume
200 L / 44 imp gal / 53 US gal
Parameters
T°: 24 à 26°C or 75 to 79°F
pH: 5.5 to 6.8
Hardness: 5 to 10°dGH
Difficulty
Average
Size
8 to 15 cm (3 to 6")
Longevity
4 to 5 years
Living zone
Middle
Individuals
8
Food
Food
How to feed the Glass catfish?
Omnivorous, the glass catfish does not eat much. It will accept all forms of food but with a clear preference for live prey (artemia and mosquito larvae in particular).
Behavior
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Glass catfish have?
Gregarious, these fish must imperatively be kept in a shoal. After some observation, it is known that isolated or too few individuals survive only a few months.
They are discreet in nature, calm and shy. Nevertheless, the more they will be numerous and the less shy they will be.
Far from being voracious, the Glass catfish will be the last to eat. It is therefore necessary to pay attention to food competition with other species. It is recommended to distribute its meal rather in the evening, when the lighting goes out.
Unlike other species of catfish, Kryptopterus are active rather during the day.
Cohabitation
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Glass catfish?
A specific tank is highly recommended.
A community aquarium can be accepted but only with small, quiet fish (it is easily frightened by fish that are too big or too active and alive). Ideally, choose the calmest species among Barbus or Rasboras.
If its roommates do not like him, it will hide all the time.
Breeding
Breeding
How to breed the Glass catfish?
Very difficult and rarely successful. There is not much information on its breeding. It seems, however, that it is rather in a group. Place a group of sexually mature individuals in a spawning tray (100/200 L (26/53 US Gallons or 22/44 Imp Gallons)) with tufted and floating plants. The tray must be clear with a dark background. Temperature 25/28°C or 77/82°F and pH at 7.
Its aquarium
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Glass catfish?
The Glass catfish can not withstand temperatures below 20°C or 68°F (triggering diseases).
Opt for a good filtration that will ensure excellent water aeration, and place the rejection of the filter so as to create a slight current on the surface.
Although the decor is not a critical element to its well-being, this shy fish will enjoy a planted aquarium, with large stumps and the presence of floating plants that will shade the aquarium. Indeed, under too intense lighting, it can go from shy to timid. To have a feeling of security, opt for a dark substrate and plant the sides of your tank densely.
Pay particular attention to its acclimation to avoid too much stress.
Good To know
Good To know
Find all additional information!
This species is quite sensitive to abrupt changes in water parameters and pharmaceuticals.
The Glass catfish has a very bad eyesight: it uses its barbels to find food and to orient itself, but also its perception of vibrations.
If it is stressed, its body tends to become white.
Yours photos!
By Encyclo-Caro
By Encyclo-Caro
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divers - By The_Gwareger - Le 12-10-2019 16:39:52
That’s a funny fish!