Swallowtail Glass Catfish
Swallowtail Glass Catfish (Pareutropius buffei) is a slender, fast-swimming West African schooling catfish with a semi-transparent body and a deeply forked, swallow-tail-shaped caudal fin that gives it its name. Unlike the Asian Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) to which it is only distantly related, the Swallowtail is a more active, faster-moving species that schools in the mid-to-upper water column with constant motion.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets make an excellent staple — this active mid-water feeder takes 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. Feed small amounts multiple times daily for best condition.
Native to the Niger River delta and coastal rivers of West Africa — Nigeria, Benin, and Cameroon. Inhabits slow-moving, vegetated rivers and streams in the coastal lowlands. The semi-transparent body makes the backbone and internal organs partially visible — not as dramatically transparent as the Asian Glass Catfish but creating a similarly ethereal quality.
Keep in groups of at least six — the Swallowtail Glass Catfish is a true schooling species that needs numbers for normal behavior. Lone fish or small groups are stressed and inactive. A proper school is constantly in motion, schooling together in the mid-water zone in a cohesive group.
An unusual and rarely available West African schooling catfish that makes an excellent alternative to the more commonly kept Asian Glass Catfish. Its active schooling behavior, semi-transparent body, and distinctive forked tail create a captivating display in a planted aquarium.
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 | Niger River delta and coastal West Africa (Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon) |
| Notes | West African schooling catfish — not related to Asian Glass Catfish despite similar common name. Deeply forked swallowtail caudal fin. Semi-transparent body. Groups of 6+ essential. |
