Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

Completely transparent – you can see its tiny skeleton and beating heart. A ghostly school hovering in the current.

A peaceful freshwater fish that grows to 8 cm, lives in the middle of the tank in groups of 5 or more and needs 23–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and an aquarium of at least 80 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

23–27 °C (73–81 °F)

pH

6.0–7.5

Adult size

8 cm (3.1 in)

Aquarium

80 L or bigger (21 US gal)

Temperament

Peaceful

Group size

5 or more

Swims

Middle

Diet

Carnivore

Wild home

Rivers of Thailand

Good to know

• Shy. Stressed without plants, rocks or caves to hide in.
• Delicate. Sensitive to poor water quality.

Tank mates

Good company: Amano Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Corydoras, Dwarf Gourami, Ghost Shrimp, Honey Gourami, Kuhli Loach, Marbled Hatchetfish, Mystery Snail, Otocinclus.

Eaten by: Asian Arowana, Flowerhorn, Frontosa, Jack Dempsey, Motoro Stingray, Ornate Bichir, Oscar, Siamese Tigerfish.

Attacked by: Demasoni Cichlid, Flowerhorn, Jack Dempsey.

Eats the newborn fry of: Cardinal Tetra, Celestial Pearl Danio, Chili Rasbora, Crystal Red Shrimp, Ember Tetra, Endler's Livebearer, Ghost Shrimp, Glowlight Tetra, Neocaridina Shrimp, Neon Tetra, Pea Puffer, White Cloud Minnow.

Colours

• Classic rare
• Phantom epic

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.