Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Calm Color Form: Transparent Lifespan: 7 to 8 Years Size: 5 Inches Diet: Omnivorous Family: Siluridae Minimum Tank Size: 100l Tank Set-Up: Planted Community Compatibility: Community Tanks Water Conditions: Temperature: 23-29 Hardness: KH 8-12 pH: 6.5-7.0 Water flow: ModerateIf you’re looking for a fish to add an element of surprise to your tank, look no further than the Glass Catfish. After one look at these transparent fish it is clear why they have become so popular in the aquarium hobby.Their clear bodies have been catching the attention of aquarists of all levels since they were introduced.Originally, these fish are from South East Asia, they are at home in vegetated tanks full of peaceful fish like Tetras. This setting reflects their natural habitat and creates a calm environment which mirrors their calm nature.If you are thinking about adding these unique fish to your aquarium, this complete guide will take you through how to care for them, ideal tank mates, tank requirements, breeding and much more… The Glass Catfish has many names including Ghost Catfish or Phantom Catfish. All of these are common names that apply to several different species of skeleton catfish.Initially the most popular species of this family was known as the Kryptopterus bicirrhis. However it was concluded that this was a misidentification and as such the popular species for aquariums are now known as Kryptopterus vitreolus.The older title of Kryptopterus bicirrhis is reserved for the larger and more aggressive Glass Catfish. Fortunately, these are now very rare in the aquarium hobby/trade.This guide will focus on the most popular species of Glass Catfish which is suitable for beginners; Kryptopterus vitreolus.Glass Catfish got their name from their transparent body that lets you see their bones and organs. The scientific name comes from Greek word kryptos, meaning hidden and pterýgio (fin). The name ‘hidden fin’ refers to the hardly visible tail fin.When people hear the word catfish they tend to think larger freshwater fish which spend the majority of their time sucked onto rocks or feeding on the bottom. These fish defy that image to a certain point; yes, they do have the barbels that most catfish do, but they have chosen to leave the rocks in exchange for a free-swimming lifestyle.These fish will school together. They are peaceful by nature and extremely timid, especially when they are first introduced into your tank.After a few weeks however, they will rise to the middle of the tank and swim actively, this brings amazing energy to the tank.Plants are key for these fish as they will use them as hiding spots which help to block bright, direct light that they tend to avoid.In terms of a Glass Catfish’s lifespan you should expect a healthy one to live up to 8 years.Typical BehaviorThese fish will school together which makes for an incredible show; it is as if you have 5 or 6 skeletons swimming around in your tank!Most catfish, while energetic, will stay on the bottom of the tank, whereas Glass Catfish are exceptions and enjoy swimming around.They make great additions to peaceful community tanks and tend to keep to themselves, only ducking for cover when disturbed.Glass Catfish Appearance