Kryptopterus vitreolus
Completely transparent — only the silver swim bladder and the skeleton are visible. Shoals mid-water and refuses to come down to the substrate. Sensitive to water-quality swings and shy, never keep singly or in pairs.
Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) reaches 6–8 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 100 L. Native to Thailand, southern Mekong basin, it lives in the mid water column with a peaceful (timid) temperament. Aim for 22–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 2–15 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 5–8 years with good care. Keep glass catfish in groups of 6+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: carnivore, Frozen and live small foods — daphnia, baby brine shrimp, micro worms. Most refuse dry food. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Adults only (may eat shrimplets).
Care at a glance
Completely transparent — only the silver swim bladder and the skeleton are visible. Shoals mid-water and refuses to come down to the substrate. Sensitive to water-quality swings and shy, never keep singly or in pairs.
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The parameters that decide whether glass catfish fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 6+
Siluridae
Carnivore
Frozen and live small foods — daphnia, baby brine shrimp, micro worms. Most refuse dry food.
5–8 yrs
Very hard
Thailand, southern Mekong basin
Thailand, southern Mekong basin
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
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Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) needs a minimum tank of 100 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 6+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 22–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 2–15 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Adults only (may eat shrimplets). Plant safety: Yes.
Glass Catfish are carnivore. Frozen and live small foods — daphnia, baby brine shrimp, micro worms. Most refuse dry food.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 3/5. Intermediate, stable parameters and a mature tank matter. Breeding difficulty: very hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 5–8 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
