Tropical Fish: Catfish

Glass Catfish

All of the bones and the sac that holds the internal organs are clearly visible through the transparent flesh of the glass catfish. Fortunately, glass cats are delicate enough that they cannot be abused by being dyed different colors as has been done with the common glass fish.

Glass catfish are relatively difficult to keep, but if their basic conditions are met they make an interesting addition to a community tank or alone in a single species tank. The biggest problems are that they absolutely must be kept in groups of at least six fish, and they must be fed frozen (or live) foods, at least to begin with. If you purchase only two of them and toss them into a tank with active fish, they almost certainly will not survive.

They seem to have a decided preference for worms, and should be started out on bloodworms (frozen or freeze-dried) and freeze-dried Tubifex worms. If in a community tank, you must be sure to watch them at feeding time to make sure they are getting some food.

The other problem with these fish is that they are very susceptible to a bacterial infection that shows up as a blotchy, opaque place on their body. Once this starts it is very difficult to cure, so it is better to keep the conditions to their liking so they avoid contracting the disease. If there ever was a fish that really cries out for a quarantine tank, glass cats are that fish. Even a 5 gallon tank will suffice. Keeping them in the quarantine tank for two or three weeks will help you make sure they are feeding and to watch for blotchy disease so it can be treated early. A quarantine tank should be used for all new fish you plan to introduce into an existing tank, but for glass cats it is an absolute must.

They have never been bred, even though there have been some undocumented claims of this being done.

Source: aquarium fish magazine

Compatibility: Larger Livebearers, Barbs, Danios, Gouramis, Rainbowfish, Loaches, some Cichlids of similar size, Plecos, and Scavenger Catfish.

Catfish Care:

Regular partial water changes are required to keep nitrates low and good filtration is recommended.

It is recommended to use a fine grade or rounded gravel, as catfish in particular like to sift through the substrate for food.

Catfish Related Articles:

Catfish. There is nothing like an exotic catfish to add beauty to your aquarium. This article provides a list of a few South American catfishes that will make a good match for your Oscars.