Description
Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhis)
Overview
Kryptopterus bicirrhis, commonly known as the Glass Catfish, is a freshwater fish from the Siluridae family, native to Southeast Asia, including the Mekong, Chao Phraya, Batang Hari, Rajang, and Kapuas river basins across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. Named for its translucent to opaque, light greyish body and long barbels, it grows to 5.9 inches (15 cm) standard length, significantly larger than its misidentified cousin, Kryptopterus vitreolus (true transparent Glass Catfish). Less common in the aquarium trade due to its size and occasional aggression, it suits intermediate aquarists who can provide a spacious, stable environment.
Care Requirements
Tank Size
- Minimum: 30 gallons (114 liters) for a school of 6–8 fish; 50–75 gallons (189–284 liters) recommended for larger groups or community setups to support their active swimming and schooling Behaviour.
- Longer tanks (e.g., 36×15 inches / 90×38 cm base) provide ample swimming space.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 70°F–79°F (21°C–26°C), ideally 73°F–77°F (23°C–25°C). Avoid exceeding 84°F (29°C) for prolonged periods.
- pH: 6.0–7.5, slightly acidic to neutral preferred.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–18 dH).
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm;
- Nitrate: Keep below 50 mg/L, as they are sensitive to water quality fluctuations.
- Use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine.
Tank Setup
- Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to mimic riverbeds; avoid sharp substrates to prevent injury.
- Plants: Hardy, tall plants (e.g., Java fern, Amazon sword) or floating plants (e.g., Salvinia, water sprite) to provide cover and dim lighting. Plants encourage biofilm growth for grazing.
- Decor: Driftwood, rocks, and leaf litter (e.g., Indian almond leaves) replicate their turbid, fast-flowing river habitats and release beneficial tannins.
- Filtration: Filter with 4–5 times tank volume per hour flow to mimic river currents and ensure oxygenation. Canister or hang-on-back filters are suitable.
- Lighting: Subdued to moderate to reduce stress and replicate shaded river conditions. Avoid bright lighting to prevent skittishness.
- Lid: Secure lid required, as they may jump when startled.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: 20%–30% weekly or 30%–50% biweekly to maintain low nitrates and stable parameters.
- Testing: Monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and temperature weekly with a test kit.
- Cleaning: Vacuum substrate lightly during water changes; rinse filter media in tank water monthly to preserve bacteria. Leave some biofilm on decor for grazing.
- Feeding Control: Remove uneaten food within 2–3 minutes to prevent fouling.
- Plant/Decor Care: Trim plants and clean decor in tank water to maintain aesthetics while preserving biofilm.
Diet
- Natural Diet: Predatory, feeding on crustaceans, small invertebrates, and smaller fish in the wild.
- Aquarium Diet:
- Staple Foods: Sinking pellets or flakes for carnivorous fish; high-quality brands ensure nutritional balance.
- Live/Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, Daphnia, Tubifex, or small earthworms (1–2 times weekly) to mimic natural prey.
- Vegetable Matter: Minimal; occasional algae wafers or blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini) for variety.
- Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily, offering only what they consume in 2–3 minutes. Monitor to ensure all fish feed, as they may not compete well.
- Variety: Rotate foods to prevent deficiencies and maintain health.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Behaviour
- Schooling: Gregarious, requiring groups of 6–10+ to reduce stress and promote natural schooling behaviour. Solitary fish become shy, stressed, or disease-prone.
- Activity: Diurnal, swimming in midwater, often aligning in currents. Shy when introduced, hiding in plants or decor, but bold during feeding.
- Temperament: Generally peaceful but may prey on very small fish or fry due to predatory instincts. Can be slightly aggressive toward similar-looking species or in cramped conditions.
Compatibility
- Ideal Tankmates: Peaceful, midwater fish of similar size, such as medium-sized cyprinids (e.g., Harlequin Rasbora, larger tetras), loaches, or other catfishes (e.g., Corydoras).
- Avoid: Very small fish (e.g., neon tetras), fry, or slow-moving/long-finned fish (e.g., guppies) that may be eaten. Avoid boisterous or aggressive species (e.g., large barbs, cichlids) that outcompete or stress them.
- Tank Setup: Provide ample hiding spots and open swimming areas to reduce stress and territorial disputes.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal; females may appear slightly rounder when egg-laden, but differences are subtle and require breeding behaviour to confirm.
Breeding Behaviour
Breeding Behaviour: Free-spawning egg-layers, scattering eggs among plants or decor. Breeding in home aquariums is rare and poorly documented.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
