Burmese Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus bicirrhis is the original glass catfish of the aquarium hobby — a mesmerising fish whose entire body is transparent, clearly revealing the skeleton and internal organs. It is native to large, slow-moving rivers of the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Malay Peninsula drainages, where it schools in mid-water column habitats, often in large aggregations.

In the aquarium, glass catfish need to be kept in schools of at least six to thrive. Isolated individuals or small groups are prone to stress and may refuse food, hiding motionlessly in a corner. A well-planted, moderately lit tank with gentle current and clear water shows them at their best as they hover in mid-water with their bodies faintly shimmering iridescent.

This species is sensitive to poor water quality and chemical additives. It does not tolerate salt, extreme pH changes, or sudden temperature swings. It is ideal for mature, well-filtered planted community aquariums with other peaceful Southeast Asian species.

Water: 23-27°C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard — very sensitive to water quality; avoid salt. Tank: 80 L minimum for a school of 6+; gentle flow, plants, and mid-water open space. Feeding: frozen bloodworm, daphnia, and brine shrimp; sinking micro pellets accepted after acclimatisation. Breeding: not reliably bred in aquariums; breeding requires replication of seasonal flooding cues. Compatibility: peaceful with all similarly sized, non-aggressive community fish.