glass catfish

[willtang3000]

I have always liked glass catfish and I wasnt sure if they were carnivorous so can you tell me would they be ok in a community thanks

 

[The-Wolf]

if you are talking glass catfish/ghost catfish Kryptopterus bicirrhis then yes.
However they like to be in groups of 6 or more and can reach 6" they are also an insectivour so they need regular live foods like bbs, bloodworm, glass worms etc.

 

[bunjiweb]

Sorry but Glass Catfish only reach an absolute maximum of 4", usually closer to 3.5". They are good community fish but make sure you have some form of cover for them to hide in. As already said groups of 6+ are a must and ideally a minimum tank of 20-30Gallons (depending on stocking).

Ben

 

[Inchworm]

Hi willtang3000

Glass catfish are a peaceful and interesting addition to a community tank, especially if it is planted. They do need to be kept in groups though, and it is necessary to watch them carefully at feeding time to be certain they get their share of the food. It will have to drift fairly close to them for them to get it. They absolutely love live blackworms and tubiflex worms and you can see their stomach turn red after they eat them.

http/www.brooklands.co.nz/tropical/glasscat.htm

They are not the hardiest of fish, but if you have a well established tank with good water conditions, and have the opportunity to purchase some, I think you will enjoy having these unusual fish.

 

[steelhealr]

Hi...I agree with most everyone is saying, however, as for the 6 number, I have 3 and they are doing very well. Had them so far for several months. I would NOT get a single one for sure. They DO like good water flow..they like to hang mid tank in the current. SH

 

[The-Wolf]

Sorry but Glass Catfish only reach an absolute maximum of 4", usually closer to 3.5".

Tell that to my two 5"ers then

 

[Mr Miagi]

Which species are they Wolf?

 

[The-Wolf]

Kryptopterus bicirrhis

 

[Mr Miagi]

I think bunjiweb was talking about Kryptopterus minor.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=72000

In which case, yeas, 3-4".

 

[bunjiweb]

it is necessary to watch them carefully at feeding time to be certain they get their share of the food

Mine seem to feed absolutely fine, i feed them tetra granules after dark and they are nice and plump

I am also amost certain it would be the Minor species as they are the much more common species sold in LFS... Anyway, 5" is still very large, most Kryptopterus bicirrhis don't get much bigger than 4 and a half inches.

Ben

 

[The-Wolf]

which is why i said in my very first reply(highligthed the important words)

if you are talking glass catfish/ghost catfish Kryptopterus bicirrhis then yes.
However they like to be in groups of 6 or more and can reach 6" they are also an insectivour so they need regular live foods like bbs, bloodworm, glass worms etc.

 

[Gill]

Glass Cats Are a Lovely Addition to a Community Tank.

I have a Group of 4 and the Largest is @ 3 Inches Already. They Are good @ getting Food and Lunge for Catfish pellets and Are Faster than the Black Widows when it Comes to getting Bloodworm.

 

[Ali1]

i only had one and he did well with livebearers.. he stayed under the water flow from the filter all the time..... he's a peaceful and barely moves... He don't bother or harass any other fish just to let you know... They do eat alot and somwetimes eat everythign and leave otherfish hanging out.... i had mine for several years in a 10 and grew up to 6inches... so they do get somewhat large... this is about my glass catfish, im not saying facts, but this is my experiece so it might be similiar to others

 

[willtang3000]

thanks all for the help and advice