The glass catfish (Kryptopterus minor) was described by Tyson Roberts in 1989. It is a small species of Asian glass catfish from the Kapuas River basin in Borneo, Indonesia. This fish belongs to the family Siluridae under order Siluriformes of class Actinopterygii. The genus name ‘Kryptopterus’ is derived from the Greek kryptos, meaning hidden and pterýgio, meaning fin in reference to the reduced or absent dorsal-fin. Until 2013, the Kryptopterus vitreolus was included in Kryptopterus minor. The true Kryptopterus minor is rarely seen in the aquarium trade but Kryptopterus vitreolus is very common.
The Glass Catfish is a very delicate fish. They do best in 30 gallons planted tank with an open area for swimming and plenty of hiding spots with medium flowing water. They should be kept in a school of at least 5-6 individuals to maximize their life. They may hide for several days when it is first introduced and they are quick to dive into the thickets when it feels disturbance. It is very sensitive to fluctuating water parameters and should be placed in a fully cycled aquarium with low nitrates.
It is very peaceful fish which should be kept only with peaceful tank mates such as tetras, dwarf gourami or dwarf cichlids, Tetras, barbs, danios, Corydoras, Loricarids, Loaches, Hatchetfish, Platies, Kribensis, Red-tailed Shark. They can also be kept them with larger gourami, silver dollars and angelfish. If they are kept with aggressive mates or are kept in a small school they become white in color or die. The tank should have bunch plants like Wisteria, Blue Stricta, Green Pennywort, Purple Temple which create lots of cover and some driftwood anubias plants and some rocks or ornaments are also be beneficial for them.
The ideal temperature for a ghost cat is 75-800 F but can live in 72 – 820 F with pH of 6.6-7.5. They are quite sensitive to water conditions, so regular small water changes should be done to keep your fish healthy.
It is a diurnal, shy, transparent fish that dwells in mid water. It is a selective eater and in wild, it mainly feeds on small invertebrates and zooplankton. It also eats other fish up to the size of a newly born Guppy, mosquito larvae and Daphnia. In captive condition it readily accepts wide range of foods including flake, pellets, vegetables, bloodworms or brine shrimp, Moina, grindal worm etc. Feed should be offered once or twice a day.
It is extremely difficult to spawn in the home aquarium. They are bred in numbers in outdoor ponds in Southeast Asia for trade but details are unknown about the breeding of this fish in captivity.
It is pretty much impossible to make difference between male and female catfish. The male is a little smaller than female.
The Glass Catfish provides an instant attraction due to its virtually see-through body. It is schooling catfish that is sold under the common name of ‘glass catfish’ and it is the most commonly encountered Silurid in the ornamental fish trade. Looking to buy a transparent glass catfish? see below for online vendors that I recommend getting your next glass catfish from!