Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Glass Catfish, also know as the Phantom Catfish, has a restricted range along a series of coastal river basins in Peninsular Thailand. As their name describes, the Glass catfish has an overall transparent body in which you can observe their internal skeletal features. A unique addition into the community aquarium, Glass catfish do have some specific environmental requirements in order to thrive (see ‘Care Requirements’ section). Glass catfish are a tight schooling fish, requiring at least 6 to 8 individuals to avoid skittishness. An adult Glass catfish can reach a size of approximately 2-1/2″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Glass catfish are thought to be primarily carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates and zooplankton suspended in the water column. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and calanus. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Glass catfish. Glass catfish are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters favorable (Nitrates < 15 ppm), as Glass catfish cannot withstand deteriorating water parameters. Given the environments in which they come from, Glass catfish like gentle water flow, softer water and a more acidic pH. The aquarium should be aquascaped with driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements that will provide security to your school of Glass catfish. Some live floating plants are also appreciated. Glass catfish are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Their timid nature, however, may make them not suitable for typical community aquariums that have overly rambunctious species. Mix Glass catfish with fish that have a similar temperament, and those that will not outcompete them in food resources. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 4-10, pH 4.0-7.0.
Purchase Size:Â Medium: 1-1/2” to 1-3/4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
