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Ghost Glass Catfish

Ghost Glass Catfish

Posted by Max Gandara on on 28th May 2025

Ghost Glass Catfish: The Transparent Wonder of Freshwater Tanks

If you’re searching for a truly unique and mesmerizing addition to your freshwater aquarium, the Ghost Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) is an excellent choice. Known for their almost fully transparent bodies, these elegant fish look like they’re gliding through water with an ethereal, ghost-like presence.

Let’s dive into what makes Ghost Glass Catfish so special and how to provide the best care for these stunning freshwater swimmers.

What is a Ghost Glass Catfish?

The Ghost Glass Catfish is a small, schooling freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia’s river systems. Its body is nearly completely transparent, allowing you to see its internal organs and skeleton—a fascinating sight that captures the imagination of many aquarists.

Typically reaching about 4 inches (10 cm) in length, these catfish are peaceful, active, and prefer to swim in groups, making them a captivating centerpiece in community tanks.

Why Choose Ghost Glass Catfish?

  • Unique Transparency: Their see-through bodies give your aquarium a magical, otherworldly aesthetic.

  • Peaceful Schoolers: Best kept in groups of 6 or more, adding dynamic, coordinated movement to the tank.

  • Community Friendly: Non-aggressive and compatible with many peaceful fish species.

  • Active Swimmers: Often occupy the mid to upper water column, providing activity at various tank levels.

Tank Setup and Care

To keep your Ghost Glass Catfish happy and healthy, here’s what you need:

  • Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a small group (6+). Larger tanks are better for more natural behavior.

  • Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C).

  • pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral, 6.5–7.0.

  • Water Quality: Very clean, well-oxygenated water with gentle filtration. They are sensitive to poor water conditions.

  • Lighting: Moderate to dim lighting helps reduce stress and shows off their transparency.

  • Decor: Provide plenty of open swimming space, along with plants and driftwood for hiding and exploring.

Feeding Ghost Glass Catfish

Ghost Glass Catfish are carnivorous and prefer a varied diet:

  • Feed high-quality frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

  • They may accept high-quality sinking pellets or flakes, but live and frozen foods are preferred.

  • Feed small amounts 2 times daily to keep them healthy and active.

Behavior and Tankmates

  • Ghost Glass Catfish are peaceful and do well with other non-aggressive fish such as tetras, rasboras, and danios.

  • Avoid aggressive or large predatory fish that may stress or harm them.

  • Keep them in groups of 6 or more to encourage natural schooling and reduce stress.

Challenges and Tips

  • They are sensitive to poor water quality, so maintain excellent filtration and perform regular water changes.

  • Ghost Glass Catfish can be shy initially but will become more active and visible as they acclimate.

  • Avoid sudden changes in water parameters and keep the tank environment stable.

Final Thoughts

The Ghost Glass Catfish is a mesmerizing and peaceful species that adds a touch of magic and elegance to any freshwater aquarium. With their ethereal transparency and schooling behavior, they offer a unique viewing experience for both novice and experienced aquarists.

Ready to add a ghostly shimmer to your tank? Make sure you have a clean, stable environment and a group of Ghost Glass Catfish to enjoy their graceful dance in your aquarium!