Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Minimum Tank
30 Gallons
Adult Size
5 inches
Temperature
75-80°F (24-27°C)
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
8 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Glass Catfish
The glass catfish, also known as the phantom catfish, is a mesmerizing transparent fish from the rivers of Thailand and Southeast Asia. Its body is almost completely see-through, revealing its skeleton, organs, and swim bladder in stunning detail. Glass catfish are unusual among catfish in that they are active mid-water schoolers rather than bottom-dwellers, hovering in place against a gentle current with subtle body undulations. They are entirely peaceful and somewhat delicate, preferring the company of their own kind in quiet, well-planted aquariums. When stressed or ill, their transparent bodies become cloudy or milky, providing an immediate visual indicator of their condition.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 30-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Catfish
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Carnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep glass catfish in groups of at least five, as solitary specimens become extremely stressed and often refuse to eat. They need a calm tank with gentle flow, plenty of plants, and no aggressive tankmates. Position them away from boisterous species like barbs and large tetras. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water at 75-80°F and are sensitive to water quality fluctuations. Feed small frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp, as they may initially refuse dry foods. Glass catfish need time to acclimate and may hide for several days after being introduced to a new tank. Their transparency should be clear, not cloudy.
Quick Facts
114L
Min Tank (30gal)
13cm
Adult Size (5")
8yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Glass Catfish
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Tank Mates for Glass Catfish
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
moderate · 30+ gal
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
moderate · 20+ gal
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
moderate · 15+ gal
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
moderate · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Glass Catfish need?
A Glass Catfish needs a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Glass Catfish need?
Glass Catfish thrive in water between 75-80°F (24-27°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Glass Catfish easy to care for?
Glass Catfish are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 8 years.
How big do Glass Catfish get and what do they eat?
Glass Catfish reach about 5 inches and are carnivores. Keep glass catfish in groups of at least five, as solitary specimens become extremely stressed and often refuse to eat. They need a calm tank with gentle flow, plenty of plants, and no aggressive tankmates. Position them away from boisterous species like barbs and large tetras. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water at 75-80°F and are sensitive to water quality fluctuations. Feed small frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp, as they may initially refuse dry foods. Glass catfish need time to acclimate and may hide for several days after being introduced to a new tank. Their transparency should be clear, not cloudy.