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.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
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.
