Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

Glass Catfish is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 75–79°F (24–26°C)
pH: 6–7
GH: 1–10 dGH
KH: 8–12 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–26 °C, pH 6–7, GH 1–10 dGH, KH 8–12 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Glass Catfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Glass Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Thailand.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Spottail Tetra Brachypetersius altus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) African Banded Barb Enteromius fasciolatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Barred Pencilfish Nannostomus espei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Glass Catfish get?

Glass Catfish reaches ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Glass Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (110 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Glass Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Glass Catfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Glass Catfish?

Keep it between 24 to 26 °C.

Should Glass Catfish be kept alone or in a group?

Glass Catfish: Keep in a loose group of 6+.