Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Glass Catfish - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Glass Catfish at a glance
Adult size: 3 inches · Min tank/pond: 30 gallons · Difficulty: intermediate · Diet: carnivore · Lifespan: 5-8 years.
Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of stable-tank experience.
Where Glass Catfish comes from
Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.
Glass Catfish tank size and setup
Glass Catfish requires a minimum of 30 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 3 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Water parameters for Glass Catfish
Glass Catfish prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
What Glass Catfish eats
Glass Catfish is a carnivore. Provide frozen mysis, brine, finely chopped seafood, and quality carnivore pellets. Live food triggers feeding response in stressed arrivals. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Glass Catfish tankmates and compatibility
Glass Catfish works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
Glass Catfish adult size and lifespan
Glass Catfish reaches 3 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-8 years with proper care.
Can you breed Glass Catfish?
Glass Catfish can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common Glass Catfish diseases and problems
Glass Catfish is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Glass Catfish for 4 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Glass Catfish online
Glass Catfish is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Glass Catfish from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related freshwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Glass Catfish taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.