Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhis)

Family: Siluridae

Glass Catfish — a Siluridae from Mekong basin, SE Asia, calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night. Reaches 11.2–16.5 cm; pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big. 21–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 21–26 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 11.2–16.5 cm
Minimum tank: 327 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night
Origin: Mekong basin, SE Asia

Species overview

Kryptopterus bicirrhis is a Siluridae from Mekong basin, SE Asia. In the wild it prefers slow rivers and lakes; in the aquarium it stays calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night. Plan on 11.2–16.5 cm of adult fish at 21–26 °C. Related profiles: Kryptopterus vitreolus.

Native biotope

Habitat: Slow rivers and lakes
Flow: Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂: Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Sand and mud
Hardscape: Large hiding structures
Plants: Sparse

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big
Diet: Eats anything that sinks; balance protein and greens
Recommended tankmates: Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore
Avoid keeping with: Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Hard to distinguish
Breeding method: Cave or pit spawner; guarding varies by species

Frequently asked questions

Is Glass Catfish easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night; pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big.

What temperature and water chemistry does Glass Catfish need?

Set the heater to 21–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Glass Catfish get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 11.2–16.5 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 327 litres.

What does Glass Catfish eat?

Eats anything that sinks; balance protein and greens. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Glass Catfish live with other fish?

Calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night. Recommended tankmates: Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore. Avoid Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom.

Where does Glass Catfish come from?

Comes from Mekong basin, SE Asia: slow rivers and lakes. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.

How does Glass Catfish breed?

Cave or pit spawner; guarding varies by species. Hard to distinguish.