Glass Catfish
Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) is one of the most extraordinary and mesmerizing fish available in the freshwater hobby. The entire body is completely transparent — the skeleton, organs, and iridescent swim bladder are fully visible through the skin, creating a fish that appears to be made of living crystal. When light catches a school at the right angle, they shimmer with fleeting rainbow iridescence. This is a fish that genuinely needs to be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets make the best staple — Glass Catfish are mid-water feeders that take food in the water column rather than from the bottom. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen Daphnia 2–3 times per week — small frozen foods trigger excellent feeding responses. Feed small amounts multiple times daily; this species does poorly with one large daily feeding.
Native to clear, slow to moderately flowing streams and rivers of Thailand — specifically identified from the Atthapeu Province area. Kryptopterus vitreolus was only formally described as a distinct species in 2013, having been sold in the hobby as K. bicirrhis for decades. The true K. bicirrhis is a much larger, less transparent species rarely seen in the trade. All Glass Catfish currently available are K. vitreolus.
Keep in groups of at least six — Glass Catfish are strongly schooling fish that become stressed, pale, and stop feeding when kept alone or in pairs. A proper school hangs together in open water, all facing the same direction into a gentle current — one of the most distinctive and beautiful schooling behaviors available in freshwater fish. Compatible with small, peaceful community fish; avoid boisterous or nippy species.
Glass Catfish are more sensitive to water quality and sudden parameter changes than many community fish. A mature, stable aquarium with regular partial water changes is important. They dislike strong currents — gentle filtration that moves the water without creating turbulence is ideal. Avoid bright lighting; moderate to dim light with floating plants produces the most relaxed and visible fish.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — schooling |
| Typical Adult Size | 3.0 inches (7.5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 6 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | Thailand (formally described 2013 — previously sold as K. bicirrhis) |
| Notes | Fully transparent body — skeleton and organs visible. Described as distinct species in 2013. Mid-water feeder — does not compete at substrate level. Sensitive to water quality changes. Groups of 6+ essential. |
