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Freshwater   Fishes

Glass catfish
(Kryptopterus bicirrhis)

Glass catfish

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

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Names

Scientific name
Kryptopterus bicirrhis
Silurus bicirrhis
Cryptopterus amboinensis

Common name
Glass Catfish

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia
Biotope: Asian

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

Not very apparent. The male is slightly thinner and its antennae are longer

Group

Group

Siluridae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

200 L / 44 imp gal / 53 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 24 à 26°C or 75 to 79°F
pH: 5.5 to 6.8
Hardness: 5 to 10°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Average

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

8 to 15 cm (3 to 6")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

4 to 5 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Middle

Individuals

sociability of the species

8

Food

How to feed the Glass catfish?

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

What kind of behavior does the Glass catfish have?

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

Who can live with the Glass catfish?

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

How to breed the Glass catfish?

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

Which aquarium for the Glass catfish?

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

Find all additional information!

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!

Image utilisateur

By Encyclo-Caro

Image utilisateur

By Encyclo-Caro

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divers - By The_Gwareger - Le 12-10-2019 16:39:52

That’s a funny fish!

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