Glass Knifefish

Eigenmannia virescens

Glass Knifefish is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Keep in a school of at least 6.

PeacefulBottom dwellerKeep in a school of at least 6Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 17.7" (≤ 45 cm)
Aquarium size: 75 US gal (284 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 68–86°F (20–30°C)
pH: 6–7
GH: 2–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 6 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 6

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 6 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 75 US gal (284 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–30 °C, pH 6–7, GH 2–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Glass Knifefish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 75 US gal (284 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 6.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

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

African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Araguaia Corydoras Hoplisoma araguaiaense Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Black Diamond Corydoras CW49 Corydoras sp. Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Blacktop Corydoras Corydoras acutus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller 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)

FAQ

How large does Glass Knifefish get?

Glass Knifefish reaches ≤ 17.7" (≤ 45 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Glass Knifefish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 75 US gal (284 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Glass Knifefish peaceful?

Yes. Glass Knifefish 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 Knifefish?

Keep it between 20 to 30 °C.

Should Glass Knifefish be kept alone or in a group?

Glass Knifefish: Keep in a school of at least 6.