Glass fish for an aquarium. Transparent glass catfish in an aquarium
It is not easy to notice these ephemeral creatures in an aquarium, but once seen they cause a lot of positive emotions- from surprise to delight. Once spotted glass catfish remain in the observer’s memory for a long time, and the desire to have this interesting fish is increasing every minute. It's important to remember that this living creature in fact, it is very gentle and demanding, and it is important to create suitable conditions for its residence.
Glass catfish, or ghost catfish (lat. Kryptopterus vitreolus, English Glass Catfish) is one of the most unusual representatives of the catfish family, endemic coastal rivers Thailand.
Until 2013, they were classified as Indian glass catfish (lat. Kryptopterus bicirrhis), from which they differ not only in locality, but also in size and degree of transparency - K. Vitreolus is almost completely transparent and somewhat smaller, while K. Bicirrhis has a milky - white in color and reaches a length of 12-15 cm.
Due to the strong anthropogenic impact on at native environment Due to the habitat of the glass catfish and excessive fishing for trade, the population of this amazing fish has rapidly declined. Glass catfish do not reproduce in captivity, which makes the situation even worse, so wild populations are currently being monitored closely.
Why did this fish so attract the attention of aquarists? The fact is that its tissues are almost transparent, with the only exceptions being the spine, head and internal organs. In nature, this serves as an ideal camouflage, allowing you to hide a school of catfish in the flow of water.
The transparency of the ghost catfish is his big mystery. There is no definite answer why this fish is so transparent that its blood and nervous system. If you look closely, you can see a tiny heart beating next to its silver belly. One theory says that the fish itself is so thin that its body is very slightly refracted in the water column. Besides, glass catfish has a specific structure of cells and tissues in which pigment is completely absent.
In general, the fish looks very impressive, and will not leave fans of unusual aquarium inhabitants indifferent. The glass catfish grows up to 5-8 cm, its body is oblong and very thin. The dorsal fin is very small and almost invisible, consists of several rays and is located near the head. Anal fin long and wide and extends with a border to the caudal fin. The body is transparent, through which the spine, ribs and internal organs of the fish are visible. Gill covers and belly are silvery. There are two long, thin antennae on the head.
In an aquarium, a school of fish chooses a suitable place and practically hovers on it, changing position only when searching for food.
Sometimes the rays of light fall at a special angle, giving the transparent body of the catfish a rainbow shine.
Unfortunately, this amazing fish cannot be called a suitable pet for beginners. Glass catfish do not tolerate sudden fluctuations in water parameters, and due to their shy nature, they are quite timid and often experience stress. To have one like this unusual inhabitant, it is necessary to create the following conditions for his residence:
- One of the main factors that is worth considering is the schooling of ghost catfish. It is recommended to keep from 6-10 individuals. In a team, fish feel more confident and are less susceptible to stress, which affects their life expectancy.
- To keep a large group of fish you will need large aquarium– from 100 liters.
- Catfish prefer weak currents.
- The aquarium must have thickets of living plants in which shy fish can hide.
- Since ghost catfish are very sensitive to sudden fluctuations in water parameters, it is not recommended to keep them in recently started and biologically immature aquariums.
- All fish available for sale are caught in wildlife and can be carriers of diseases dangerous to other inhabitants. For this reason, it is not recommended to immediately release purchased fish into a community aquarium; it is better to keep them in quarantine for at least 2 weeks.
- Glass catfish prefer dim lighting, which can be achieved with the help of floating vegetation.
- In addition to natural plants, an aquarium with glass catfish can be decorated with submerged alder cones and dried leaves of oak, birch, beech and almond. Such decorations will not only give the environment a more natural look, but will also make the water softer and more acidic, and enrich it with tannins, which are beneficial for the immunity of fish.
- It is not recommended to overpopulate the aquarium, otherwise the water will be intensively polluted with organic matter, which cannot be effectively removed by replacement.
- temperature: 20-26 °C;
- acidity: 4.0-7.0 pH;
- hardness: 1-10 °dH;
- filtration and aeration are required;
- Water changes should be weekly, but not too massive - about 20%.
As can be seen from the above, for the fish to live comfortably, it is necessary to create conditions that are as close to natural as possible. Glass catfish do not tolerate deviations from the norms, as they are caught from wild environment and they have not developed the endurance and flexibility found in fish bred in captivity.
Feeding
In nature, the glass catfish leads a predominantly predatory lifestyle, eating small invertebrates and zooplankton.
In captivity, it actively eats live food:
- bloodworm,
Over time, glass catfish can be accustomed to defrosted food or dry food.
It is important to remember that shy fish rarely rise to the surface, and it is necessary to give them sinking food, while simultaneously distracting their agile neighbors with food near the surface.
Breeding
All specimens presented on the market were obtained from the natural environment. There are no documented cases of successful breeding in aquariums, and sexual dimorphism is not pronounced.
Scientific name: Kryptopterus Minor.
Folk 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).
Life expectancy: 7-8 years.
Habitat
Comes from river systems Southeast Asia, mainly in the territory of modern Thailand. Found in rivers flowing into the Gulf of Thailand. Due to intraspecific confusion, the habitat requires clarification. Prefers to stay in stagnant or slowly moving water, which is usually quite muddy.
Description
Extended tall body with an unusually long anal fin that extends from head to tail. Main feature- this is a transparent body through which the spine and ribs are easily distinguishable. There are two long antennae on the head near the mouth.
Appearance
The ghost catfish is notable for its appearance. The peculiarity is noticeable at first glance - the almost complete absence of body coloring.
The skin, muscles and scales are colorless and appear transparent, which is why the species got its name. The spine remains painted, swim bladder, internal organs and head of representatives of the species. Due to the transparency of catfish, their bodies are allowed to pass through sunlight, which allows them to be inconspicuous in natural environment.
The body is long and flattened in the lateral parts. Size adult is 5–12 cm. The anal fin is longer than that of most fish, and stretches from head to tail. A dorsal completely absent. Tail fin transparent, small size and forked. Head small size, looks like a triangle with smoothed edges. There is one pair of long antennae on the head.
Keeping a glass catfish in an aquarium will not cause much trouble for experienced aquarists. The composition and temperature of the water do not play a significant role. They also do well in hot summers, when the temperature in the aquarium can rise above 30 degrees. But still, the temperature should be maintained at 23-26 degrees, and water changes should be done every week for 20% of the total volume of the aquarium. Special attention should be paid to lighting and shelters. Should be placed in the aquarium large number driftwood with all kinds of structures. Catfish prefer diffusing light.
Vegetation in the aquarium should be abundant, forming dense thickets. Floating plants should be placed in the aquarium, which contribute to the formation of dim light, so necessary for these unusual fish. Another important component for the life of glass catfish in an aquarium is filtration and aeration; it must be strong enough and effective. Aeration creates a slight current in the aquarium, simulating the native habitat of glass catfish.
Feeding and favorite treats
Feeding glass catfish will also not cause much trouble. They happily eat dry food and granules. You should feed in small portions so that the food gradually sinks into the water, since glass catfish feed mainly in the middle layers of water, they take food from the surface poorly and reluctantly, and they do not see the food that has fallen to the bottom at close range. A delicacy for them, as for most fish, is live food for daphnia, bloodworms favorite delicacy fish. You can buy live food at any fishing store and sometimes pamper the inhabitants of the aquarium. But do not forget that overfeeding only harms the fish.
Reproduction in captivity
Glass catfish breeding in an aquarium, which is quite problematic, in its natural habitat exhibits sexual activity during the rainy season. To stimulate the female to spawn in the aquarium, it is worth lowering the temperature by a few degrees and reducing the water level by half. The female lays about 100-200 eggs on the plants, after which the breeders should be moved back to the community aquarium. The eggs ripen within a week. Microcors, rotifers, and Cyclops nauplii are suitable for feeding fry.
The glass catfish, scientific name Kryptopterus vitreolus, belongs to the family Siluridae. Perhaps the most unusual representative catfish, has such a transparent body that the skeleton of the fish is visible through it. Such an amazing evolutionary adaptation and relative ease of maintenance, along with a peaceful disposition, determined the popularity of this species among aquarists all over the world. Floor: determine gender by external signs impossible.
Glass catfish compatibility: any are suitable for sharing peaceful fish.
Another common finding in the literature is scientific name- Kryptopterus bicirrhis. However modern research found that it combines two similar in appearance soms True Glass Catfish, was isolated in separate species only in 2013, so numerous sources and publications continue to use the incorrect scientific name.
Requirements and conditions:
- Aquarium volume - from 100 liters.
- Temperature - 20–26°C
- pH value - 4.0-7.0
- Water hardness - soft (1-10 dH)
- Substrate type - any
- Lighting - dim
- Brackish water - no
- Water movement - weak or standing water
Fish parameters:
- Size - up to 6 cm.
- Food - any, a combination of dry and meat food
DISEASES
Keeping a glass catfish is quite simple, however, it may periodically experience various types diseases. If you have different aquarium fish, the glass catfish will not interfere with them. But if a catfish develops a disease, it should be placed in a quarantine habitat. Such a place could be a small unnecessary aquarium or a large jar in which the animal will be treated.
Glass catfish diseases are mainly infusorial in nature. So, you can determine the disease in your glass catfish by the following signs: appearance of rashes and opacities on the transparent body of the catfish, change in color, strange behavior, poor appetite, as well as other deviations from the normal behavior of the fish.
Glass catfish diseases can be cured at home, however, without consulting a specialist, it will be difficult for you to cope with the ailments of your aquarium fish. Therefore, at the first signs of illness, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic, where an experienced specialist will help you find ways to treat your catfish.
When infusor diseases appear, treatment is carried out by using drugs that can be bought not only in a specialized pet store, but also in a regular pharmacy. So, you can cure catfish with the following means: Metrogyl or Metronidazole (solution for intravenous administration, 5 mg/ml, poured into the aquarium after changing the water in a proportion of 100 ml per 100 l), as well as Lincomycin (solution for intravenous administration 300, dosage 1 ampoule per 100 liters).
Glass Indian catfish(lat. Kryptopterus bicirrhis) or as it is also called the ghost catfish, this is certainly the fish that catches the eye of an aquarium lover.
The first thing that catches your eye when you see a ghost catfish is its complete transparency, so that you can see the internal organs and spine. It immediately becomes clear why it was called glass.
This transparency and lightness extends not only to appearance, but also on content.
The glass catfish, or ghost catfish, lives in the rivers of Thailand and Indonesia. It prefers to live in streams and rivers with a gentle current, where it stands with the flow in small flocks and catches passing prey.
There are many species of glass catfish in nature, but in the aquarium there are usually two - Kryptopterus Minor (glass catfish minor) and Kryptopterus Bichirris.
The difference between them is that the Indian one can grow up to 10 cm, and the minor one up to 25 cm.
Description
Of course, the peculiarity of the glass catfish is its transparent body, through which the skeleton is visible. Although the internal organs themselves are located in a silvery pouch just behind the head, this is the only opaque part of the body.
He has a pair of long mustaches growing from upper lip, and, although it seems that there is simply no dorsal fin, if you look closely, you can see a tiny, almost invisible process, which is located immediately behind the head. But there really is no adipose fin.
Often two similar species glass catfish are confused and sold under the name Kryptopterus Minor (glass catfish minor), although it is unlikely that the minor is imported often, since it grows up to 25 cm, and the individuals found on sale are no more than 10 cm.
Difficulty in content
Glass catfish is a complex and demanding fish that should only be purchased by experienced aquarists. It does not tolerate changes in water parameters well, is timid and prone to disease.
Glass catfish are very sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters and should only be introduced into a fully balanced aquarium with low nitrate levels.
In addition, this is a very gentle and shy fish that needs to be kept with peaceful neighbors and in a small flock.
To keep the fish healthy, the temperature in the aquarium should not fall below 26 C and sudden changes in temperature should be avoided. You also need to monitor the content of ammonia and nitrates in the water, to which catfish are very sensitive.
It is important to remember that this schooling fish and you need to keep at least 10 pieces, otherwise they quickly die. Aquarium volume from 200 liters.
To reduce the content, you need to use an external filter and regularly replace the water with fresh water with the same parameters. Glass catfish naturally live in rivers, so gentle currents are welcome.
Glass catfish spend most of their time among plants, so it is advisable to have fairly dense bushes in the aquarium. Plants will help this timid fish feel more confident, but you need to leave it free space for swimming.
Feeding
They prefer live food, such as daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex. They also quickly get used to small, slowly sinking granules.
It is important to ensure that the food is small, since glass catfish have a very small mouth. IN community aquarium They can prey on the fry of other fish, since this is how they feed in nature.
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 does not have a dorsal fin, but in fact it does exist, only a very small one. 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 granular food should be small in size, as catfish have a very small mouth. 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.
Kryptopterus bicirrhis
Glass catfish is a peaceful fish and, most importantly, schooling, so you need to purchase at least 6-8 of them at once, no less. This way they will be more confident in the aquarium and less exposed to stress.
For such a flock of glass catfish an aquarium will do volume of about 100 liters, densely planted. The fish will hide in the “greenery” for daylight hours, since they are more active at night (like other catfish). IN daylight hours During the day, the “glasses” are practically invisible - they either stand in a flock (towards the flow of water from the pump) without moving in the middle layer of water, or hide among plants or in shelters.
During feeding, they suddenly appear out of nowhere near the feeder, picking up flakes and granules, but they especially like the living ones (coretra, tubifex, bloodworms, daphnia). Unlike other catfish, transparent catfish They do not pick up food from the bottom, but feed either from the surface or in the water column.
The water in an aquarium with such catfish should be clean, well aerated with a temperature within +22-+26 ℃, hardness 6-12 °, pH 6.5-7.5. A weekly water change of 10-20% of the volume is required.
Glass catfish reach sexual maturity at the age of 1.5-2 years. Males are somewhat smaller and slimmer than females. The size of adult individuals reaches 9-10 cm.
Glass catfish: video