Glass catfish fish. Transparent aquarium catfish
Glass catfish are quite peculiar fish, this is manifested in their unusual coloring, or rather, they are generally transparent, and they behave differently, not like other catfish. There are actually many species of glass catfish in nature, but only two are usually kept at home - Kryptopterus minor and Kryptopterus Bichirris. The only difference between them is that Indian som grows up to 10 cm, and minor up to 25 cm.
Without a doubt, glass catfish differ from other types of fish in that they are completely transparent, and this immediately catches the eye. It is best to keep such fish in small schools, without mixing with other breeds.
Habitat of catfish in nature
In nature they live in Southeast Asia , as well as on islands such as Sumatra, Borneo and Java. An adult usually reaches 10 cm in length, they are found in fresh water and belong to the order of predators.
In nature, catfish always live in schools, but small ones, in the middle layers of water. If the fish are lonely, that is, without a school, then in most cases they die. Glass catfish feed on zooplankton and larvae of aquatic insects that move in the middle layers of water.
Keeping glass catfish at home
Glass catfish themselves are small, which is why they do not need huge aquarium and lots of water. If you want to keep a flock of six individuals, then it’s quite possible An 80 liter aquarium is enough. Less quantity It is better not to keep fish, as they become shy and because of this they quickly lose their appetite.
These fish are very fond of various vegetation, which is why it is imperative to plant them in the aquarium. large number living plants. Catfish really love areas with shade, so it is advisable to also place floating plants. The lighting should not be too bright, as this can be stressful for the fish.
Glass catfish very sensitive to cleanliness, which is why it is necessary to take care of excellent water filtration. Aeration is also necessary. Here optimal parameters water:
- Acidity - 6.5-7.5 pH
- Hardness - 4-15 dH
- Temperature - 23-26 degrees
The water in the aquarium should be changed weekly. The glass catfish is active during the daytime and is found in the middle layers of water, where it spends all of its time. You should also remember that these fish do not know how to pick up food from the bottom of the aquarium. For feeding, you can use not only live food, but also high-quality dry food. It’s best to diversify the diet somehow so that you don’t have the same thing.
Catfish have a peaceful nature and get along well with the following types of fish: rhodostomus, neons and minors. But still, experts advise keep them separate from everyone else, so they won't get stressed.
Reproduction of catfish
There is quite a bit of information on the reproduction of glass catfish; this is due to the fact that breeding is carried out in Far Eastern fish farms. As a spawning ground, you can use a simple, clean plastic basin with a capacity of no more than 30 liters. When breeding catfish, you should not put soil on the bottom, but plants are necessary, for example, such as anubias.
In order for catfish breeding to be successful, you should choose only young females and males, since their offspring are actually the most powerful. Before mating, you need to feed them chopped bloodworms - this type of subcortex has a great effect on milk and eggs.
In the evening, one female and three to four males are allowed into the spawning area. For stimulation, you need to reduce the water temperature to about +17-+18 degrees, since reproduction occurs in cooler water. For ideal breeding, good lighting is necessary, which is configured as follows: dim light is turned on, the spawning area is covered with fabric, but a small gap must remain uncovered, through which the light will pass.
Spawning usually lasts no more than four hours, or even less. At the very beginning, the males chase the female around the entire perimeter of the spawning area. Next, the female herself swims up to the male and takes milk into her mouth, then swims up to the illuminated place lubricates the wall with milk and sticks several eggs, and continues this several times. When the female has laid eggs, the males are separated from her, and the water temperature in the spawning area is raised to 27-28 degrees Celsius. Incubation takes no more than three days.
When the fry are born, the water temperature is again reduced to 20 degrees. They should be fed four times a day:
As the fish grows, you can add the following food to the fish menu: finely chopped tubifex or substitute food. Babies grow quite quickly and after a month they grow in length to almost one centimeter. Puberty occurs in seven to eight months.
In order for the glass catfish to live for a long time, you must adhere to the rules described above. Provide them with high-quality food, protect them from all diseases, and also monitor the water temperature and then they will delight you for a long time with their unusual appearance and behavior. Good luck with keeping and breeding catfish!
Without a doubt Glass catfish- very interesting, unusual and wonderful fish. They are actually transparent like glass, allowing you to special effort examine their insides. There are many species of Glass Catfish and two types that can be easily confused - Cryptopterus Minor(Kryptopterus Minor) and Cryptopterus bichirris(Kryptopterus bichirris). The main difference between them is their size. For example, Cryptopterus minor has a length of 6.5-8 cm, and Cryptopterus bichirris can reach 16.5 cm. Cryptopterus Minor is very beautiful catfish with a missing dorsal fin and lack of body pigmentation.
So, the first thing that catches your eye when you see a glass catfish is its transparent body, which allows you to see its spinal cord and internal organs. This transparent fish- a picky eater. Glass catfish are known for not readily accepting regular flakes. If you bought glass catfish from a local pet store, it's best to check with them about what kind of flakes and freeze-dried food they like. If you ordered them online, then check with the seller about their preferences.
Glass catfish- This is a very delicate fish. They are very sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters, so they should only be introduced into an established aquarium (that has gone through a nitrogen cycle) with minimal nitrate levels. Glass catfish are very calm, timid and delicate fish, so they can only be kept with peaceful animals. aggressive fish, and only in flocks of 6 individuals or more. They feel best in large aquariums with lots of hiding places. If glass catfish are kept with aggressive fish or in a small school, they will become white and may die from stress.
Glass catfish - photo.
Glass catfish - video.
Scientific name: Kryptopterus Minor.
Common names: Glass Catfish, Ghost Catfish, Glass Catfish.
Care level: moderate.
Size: up to 8 cm.
Water pH: 6-7.
Temperature: 21-26 0 C (70-79 0 F).
Lifespan: 7-8 years old.
Habitat/Origin: Asia, Borneo.
Temperament/Behavior: peaceful and shy. Glass catfish must be kept in a school of at least 6 individuals. These are absolutely calm fish, so they should be kept with other peaceful fish.
Reproduction of glass catfish: V home aquarium spawning is extremely difficult and problematic. They are very rarely bred in captivity.
Aquarium dimensions: For one flock of 6 glass catfish, an aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 liters is required.
Glass catfish compatibility: any are suitable for sharing peaceful fish.
Nutrition / Food for glass catfish: Sometimes it can be difficult to get them used to eating cereal and freeze-dried foods, so check with the retailer to see what they've been feeding. Periodically feed your catfish live or frozen crustaceans, brine shrimp and daphnia.
Do you want to add originality to your aquarium? Do you need a fish whose appearance will surprise you? An excellent candidate for the role of a “local original” is the glass catfish. Some admire the appearance of this fish, others consider it pale. Everyone has different tastes, it is impossible to please everyone. But one thing is certain - this catfish is one of the most unusual fish. If you are one of those people who are like that unusual creatures If you like it, it’s worth finding out more about the candidate for pets, because the conditions for keeping this creature are quite strict, and not every aquarist can comply with them.
Appearance
The Indian glass catfish is sometimes also called the ghost catfish. Of course, the first thing that catches your eye in the appearance of this fish is its absolute transparency. So, you can see all the bones and internal organs. But the glass catfish was nicknamed not only for its appearance. Its fragility extends to its conditions of detention, to which it is very sensitive.
In nature, ghosts live in the rivers of Indonesia and Thailand. They mostly live in streams or rivers with weak currents. A school of fish rises with the current, catching prey swimming past. IN natural conditions catfish grow up to 25 centimeters in length.
Only the head and “bag” of the catfish are opaque. internal organs. A pair of very long whiskers grows from the upper lip of the fish. At first glance, it seems that the catfish lacks dorsal, but in fact it exists, only very small. This aquarium fish actually does not have an adipose fin.
Aquarium
First, let's decide on the size of the aquarium. In general, glass catfish - small creature, in captivity does not grow more than 10 cm, so a small aquarium will suit it. But if the purpose of the acquisition is to create not just tolerable conditions, but to organize a cozy and comfortable world for these amazing creatures, then you need to carefully approach the arrangement of your home.
This catfish is a schooling fish. For a family of 6 individuals, the aquarium must be at least 80 liters. It is not recommended to buy a smaller group, because then the fish become more nervous, their appetite worsens, and as a result, they may begin to get sick due to stress.
These beautiful aquarium fish differ from their relatives in their requirements for the form of housing. The fact is that they prefer elongated aquariums, in which there are many plants and water circulation is ensured. Algae will allow the fish to feel more comfortable, because in the event of the slightest, even imaginary, danger, the catfish hide in dense bushes. A flock of “glasses” swims mainly in the middle layers, not hiding in snags and bushes, like most catfish of other species. Our catfish also love floating plants, which create such a pleasant shade.
The fish prefer dim lighting. Bright light is strong stressful situation. These aquarium fish require at least a few shady areas.
Water
As already mentioned, glass catfish are very demanding on living conditions. It is extremely important for him that the water parameters remain constant or fluctuate very slightly.
Glass catfish, the maintenance of which would be almost impossible for a beginner, needs clean water. The aquarium must be equipped with powerful filters that will perform biological treatment around the clock. It is advisable to buy an external filter. In addition, aeration of the water in the aquarium is necessary.
The following parameters must be observed for water: hardness within 4-15°, acidity pH 6.5-7.5, and water temperature must always be within 23-26 degrees. It has already been said above that a current resembling a natural one would be a wonderful gift for a pet. In addition, you need to change at least 20% of the water weekly.
It is quite simple to understand that the fish are not living in suitable conditions: they lose their usual transparency, suddenly acquiring color. Therefore, carefully monitor the condition of the water and the fish themselves - the appearance of a “body” indicates not only discomfort, but can also become a symptom of serious illnesses.
Feeding
Almost all catfish pick up food from the bottom. Moreover, most of them lead night look life. But the glass catfish is unique in this too. It is active during the daytime, and searches for food in the same place where it is. most of time - in the middle layers. The catfish definitely does not intend to pick up food from the “ground.” He's too aristocratic for that. Therefore, live food would be ideal for feeding it: insect larvae, daphnia, etc. Of course, these fish also eat good dry food, but “glass fish” cannot be limited to such a diet. Variety is very important to them. By the way, despite the apparent slowness and retardation, the catfish appears at the feeder before all the other inhabitants of the aquarium.
Dry or pelleted food should be small size, since the catfish’s mouth is very small. In addition, in an aquarium with other fish, catfish can start hunting other people’s fry, because in natural conditions This is exactly how they eat.
Compatibility
These beautiful aquarium fish are quite peaceful creatures. They are completely indifferent to their neighbors. However, this does not apply to shrimp or fry - here the catfish will not miss theirs. But still, for the company of “glasses” it is better to choose a calm fish that will not irritate them with its activity. Neons, rhodostomuses and other characins will be excellent neighbors. Although ideal option Glass catfish will have individual housing, where they can feel like absolute owners.
Breeding
The glass catfish has been known to aquarists all over the world for almost 100 years, but so far no one has managed to put it into production. The process of reproduction in this species has been practically unstudied. There are, of course, cases when glass catfish fry are hatched at home, but this is most likely an accident, and the owners themselves cannot explain what they did that caused the fish to begin to reproduce.
Differences between the sexes at the moment also not found. When keeping fish in a school of more than 10 individuals, there is a high probability of becoming the owner of fish of different sexes. You may be lucky and be able to get offspring from them.
The Indian glass catfish is called Kryptopterus bicirrhis in Latin. Because of my original appearance it is also called ghost catfish. This fish is very interesting and many aquarists want to have it in their aquarium. IN wildlife There are many species of glass catfish. Only two of them are used for keeping in an aquarium. These are glass catfish minor and glass Indian catfish, which will be discussed. These two species differ from each other in size. The Indian glass catfish grows to approximately 10 cm, while the minor can reach 25 cm. The main feature of this species is the transparency of the body. This allows you to see right through the fish's spine. Anyone who sees this catfish for the first time will immediately understand where it got its name from.
The water in the aquarium should be balanced and practically free of nitrates. By nature, these fish are timid. Therefore, they can only coexist with very peaceful fish. It is better to keep glass catfish not alone, but in a small flock.
Habitat in nature
In nature, glass catfish lives in rivers that flow into the Gulf of Thailand. Its homeland is Indonesia and Thailand. Mainly lives in rivers and streams with slow flow And muddy water. Gathering in schools, fish stand with the current to catch prey.
Description
Main appearance feature aquarium fish OK This type is their transparency. The skeleton of the fish is completely visible through the body. Behind her head is a silver bag. This opaque part houses the organs.U glass catfish on upper lip there is a pair of mustaches. They are quite long. When you see a fish, you get the feeling that it is missing a dorsal fin. But upon closer examination, you can see a process located immediately behind the catfish’s head. They have no adipose fin at all.
The two species sold for aquarium use are often confused. The fish is sold under the name Kryptopterus Minor. That is, glass catfish minor. But in fact this species is sold very rarely, as it grows to quite large sizes(25 cm). While the Indian catfish grows only up to 10 cm.
Content issues
Due to the fact that the fish is quite difficult to keep, it is not recommended for inexperienced aquarium lovers to purchase it. Before buying a glass catfish, you need to learn how to maintain an aquarium in accordance with the required parameters. If water parameters change, the catfish may get sick and even die. The species is prone to disease and is timid. Only very peaceful fish can be neighbors.
The ideal water for glass Indian catfish is soft, slightly acidified. These are the most sensitive fish among all catfish to changes. If you violate any conditions of detention, the fish may lose its transparency. It will become normal opaque. If this situation occurs, it will mean that something is wrong with the aquarium.
These transparent fish prefer warm water. In order for them to maintain their appearance and not get sick, it is necessary to ensure that the water is always no colder than 26 degrees. Sudden changes in temperature should not be allowed. Ammonia and nitrates should be as low as possible. Representatives of the species are also very sensitive to these indicators. They cannot be kept alone. In nature, these catfish live in schools, so they need to be placed in an aquarium of at least 10 individuals. If there are fewer of them or you buy one fish, it will not live long. For a flock of 10 individuals, it is necessary to prepare at least a two-hundred-liter aquarium.
Since in nature these catfish live in rivers with small currents, it is advisable to create similar conditions for them in the aquarium. In addition, regular water changes must be performed. And the content of harmful substances should be controlled using good filter. The pH level should be between 6-7. Only by observing all these conditions will you preserve the health of the fish. They can live up to 8 years.
These fish will spend a lot of time in algae thickets. Therefore, it is important to provide them with dense thickets in which they can hide. Among plants, these timid catfish will feel better. It is also important that they have enough space to swim.
Feeding
Representatives of this species prefer live food. Therefore, it is best to give them tubifex, daphnia, and artemia. But you can also accustom them to pelleted food. These should be small granules that will slowly sink to the bottom. These fish have very small mouths, so all the food you feed them should be small. It is important to remember that in nature they eat fry, so they should not be in contact with them. community aquarium.
Compatibility
Glass catfish are not dangerous to any species of fish except fry. Therefore, they can be kept in a community aquarium.
Wedge-spotted rasboras, small-sized gouras, can be good neighbors for them. They will also get along well with shifter catfish. Large predatory fish Of course, they are not suitable for such an aquarium. Neighbors of catfish should only be peaceful fish comparable in size to them.Glass catfish are prone to various diseases. Therefore, if an individual shows signs of illness, it must be quarantined, where treatment will be carried out. Sick catfish eat poorly, their body may become cloudy, and their behavior changes.
Sex differences
To date, experts do not have data on the sex differences of glass catfish.
Reproduction
This type of fish is rarely bred at home. Fish sold in stores are most likely wild caught. Also in some Asian countries there are special farms for their breeding.
Video: Glass catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus)
Lat. name: Kryptopterus bicirrhis.
Water parameters for keeping:
Temperature 23-27°C.
pH 6.8-7.8.
dH 6-15°.
Size in aquarium: 10 cm.
Life expectancy is up to 10 years.
The glass catfish lives in Southeast Asia, the Greater Sunda Islands, Java, Sumatra and Borneo. They were first brought to Europe in 1934, to the USSR in 1964. When this fish was first introduced to Europe, its lifestyle and, above all, its method of reproduction remained a mystery. Based on observations of fish behavior in nature, experts say that during the rainy season, adult fish migrate to the surrounding jungle where they spawn. And as soon as the water begins to subside, they return to their original places along with the young fish. And to this day, in aquarium conditions, glass catfish are not bred. In the markets we see either wild animals or fish from Asian farms.
The Indian glass catfish belongs to the group of ghost fish, with which all " glass fish"(English name Glass Catfish) because of their protective painting, making the fish unnoticeable in the water. In addition to transparency, the glass catfish is distinguished by a body that is highly elongated and laterally flattened. The dorsal fin is extremely small and is located immediately behind the head, from below the head almost to the deeply cut caudal fin stretches out constantly fluctuating, completely transparent anal fin. In reflected light, fish shine with all the colors of the rainbow, while at the same time remaining so transparent that objects behind the fish can be seen through them.
The following catfish also have a similar lifestyle: Kryptopterus macrocephalus, Ompok bimaculatus and Silurichthys phaisoma. They always stay in a school in the middle layers of water and are daytime fish. Lonely fish outside the school wither and die. Therefore, glass catfish must be kept in a school, in spacious aquariums, in which there are many plants that provide the fish with shelter and diffused lighting.
For keeping a flock of glass catfish(5-7 individuals) an aquarium of 150 liters or more is recommended; aeration and filtration must be installed in the aquarium. Weekly changes aquarium water are required. Other measures are being taken to reduce nitrogen compounds - NH4, NO2, NO3. Fish cannot tolerate them. Glass catfish can be kept in a wide range of water parameters, but the most comfortable will be soft, slightly acidic water, which is characteristic of their habitat.
We combine glass Indian catfish with virtually all peaceful small fish - gourami, armored and loricariid catfish, various characin fish, etc.
In nature, the favorite food is zooplankton and larvae of aquatic insects. The fish clumsily picks up food from the bottom, lying on its side. In aquarium conditions they eat all types of food very well.Please note that feeding aquarium fish must be correct: balanced and varied. This fundamental rule is the key to successful keeping of any species of fish. Therefore, it will be useful for you to read the article “,” which describes this in detail, and also outlines the basic principles of the diet and feeding regime for fish.
IN given time Popular and popular food for fish, of course, is dry food. For example, food from Tetra, the leader, can be found on aquarium shelves all the time and everywhere. Russian market, which has a range of feeds “for every taste”. Tetra's "gastronomic arsenal" includes individual food for certain type fish: guppies, goldfish, cichlids, loricariids, labyrinths, arowanas, discus, etc. Tetra has also developed specialized foods, for example, to enhance color, fortified, or for feeding fry. Detailed information You can find out about all Tetra feeds on the company’s official website -.
It would not be superfluous to note that when purchasing any dry food, you should first of all pay attention to the date of its manufacture and shelf life, try not to buy food in bulk, and also store the food in a closed state - this will help to avoid the development of pathogenic flora in it .
All of the above is just the fruit of observing this type of aquarium fish and collecting various information from owners and breeders. We would like to share with visitors not only information, but also with live emotions, allowing you to penetrate the world of aquariums more fully and subtly. Register on, participate in discussions on the forum, create profile topics where you will talk about your pets in the first person and first-hand, describe their habits, behavior and content, share with us your successes and joys, share and learn from experience others. We are interested in every bit of your experience, every second of your joy, every awareness of a mistake, which makes it possible for your comrades to avoid the same mistake. The more of us there are, the more pure and transparent drops of goodness there are in the life and everyday life of our seven billion society.
Glass catfish photo selection
Glass catfish video compilation