Pet Wiki

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Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus Ng & Kottelat, 2013

Also called Ghost catfish, Phantom catfish, Glass cat, Pla kang phra ruang

SpeciesShort profile

From Endemic to Thailand: rivers and streams of the peninsula south of the Isthmus of Kra draining to the Gulf of Thailand, and basins in the Cardamom Mountains. Lives in slow or still brown to black water.12

At a glance the quick version

Length6.5 to 8 cm21
Sizesmall
Fascinating see-through body
Gentle, peaceful nature
Hovers in tight, graceful schools
13

Looks how to spot one

Transparent, scaleless body

A slim, see-through catfish with no scales and almost no body pigment, so you can see its skeleton and, with magnification, its heart. Layers of collagen in its muscles bend light, which can make it shimmer with rainbow colours.13

Colourstransparentiridescent rainbow sheen in some lighting1

Personality what they are like

Docile and somewhat shy, it feels secure only in a group and in calm company.31

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Spends much of the day hovering in midwater as a tight school.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs a mature, stable tank with soft light, plants and leaf litter. Avoid boisterous or large tankmates that outcompete it at feeding time.3

Home where they are happiest

Soft, acidic water of about 20 to 26 C, pH 4.0 to 7.0 and hardness 1 to 10 dGH, in a tank with a base of at least 90 x 30 cm.32

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Takes dried foods but should get small live or frozen items such as baby brine shrimp and grindal worms every day.3

Company who they like around

Highly sociable: keep at least six together with small peaceful fish from similar habitats.31

The story where it all began

For decades aquarium glass catfish were sold under other species names. In 2013 Ng and Kottelat showed that the fish in the trade was its own species and named it vitreolus, from the Latin for glass.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its name vitreolus comes from the Latin word for glass.1

  2. 2

    A layered, plywood-like arrangement of collagen in its muscles lets light pass through and split into rainbow colours.1

  3. 3

    In Thai it is called pla kang phra ruang, linking it to the legendary king Phra Ruang.1

  4. 4

    It was treated as the same species as K. bicirrhis until 1989 and confused with K. minor until 2013.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 4 June 2019)2
Taxonomy
Formally described by Ng and Kottelat in 2013; earlier sold as K. bicirrhis or K. minor1
Family
Siluridae (sheatfishes)2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Glass Catfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Glass Catfish?

Feed your Glass Catfish small amounts once or twice every day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding with tiny portions to keep them healthy.3 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Glass Catfish eat, and what should it never eat?

They take dried foods but need small live or frozen items like baby brine shrimp and grindal worms daily. What they should never eat varies by individual; ask your vet for a safe list.3

How much space does a Glass Catfish need?

A tank with a base of at least 90 x 30 cm is recommended for a small group. This gives them room to hover and school comfortably.32

What temperature, light or water does a Glass Catfish need?

They need soft, acidic water at 20 to 26 C, pH 4.0 to 7.0, and hardness 1 to 10 dGH. Keep lighting soft and add plants and leaf litter for a calm environment.32

How often should I clean a Glass Catfish's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. This keeps the water stable and healthy. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Glass Catfish live with others?

Yes, they are highly sociable and need at least five companions of their own kind. They also do well with small, peaceful fish from similar habitats.31

How long does a Glass Catfish live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For a reliable estimate, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Glass Catfish?

Handling is not recommended as they are delicate, scaleless fish. It is best to avoid touching them; consult a vet for safe handling if needed.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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African Glass Catfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Kryptopterus vitreolus en.wikipedia.orgused for names, etymology, transparency, history, folklore
  2. FishBase: Kryptopterus vitreolus fishbase.seused for distribution, habitat, size, IUCN, family
  3. Seriously Fish: Kryptopterus vitreolus seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, group size

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.