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A glass Indian catfish in Latin is called Kryptopterus bicirrhis. Because of its original appearance, it is also called a ghost catfish. This fish is very interesting, and many aquarists want to have it in their aquarium. In the wild, there are many types of glass catfish. Only two of them are used for keeping in the aquarium. This is a glass catfish minor and a glass Indian catfish, which will be discussed. These two species differ in size. Indian glass catfish grows to about 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 through the spine of the fish. Everyone 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, there should be practically no nitrates in it. By nature, these fish are shy. Therefore, they can only be neighbors with very peaceful fish. It is better to keep glass catfish not one by one, but in a small flock.
Living in nature
In nature, glass catfish lives in rivers that flow into the Gulf of Thailand. Its homeland is Indonesia and Thailand. Mostly lives in small rivers and streams with a slow course and muddy water. Gathering in schools, the fish stand adrift to catch prey.
Description
The glass catfish has a pair of mustaches on its upper lip. They are quite long. When you see a fish, you get the feeling that it does not have a dorsal fin. But upon closer examination, you can see the process, located immediately behind the head of the catfish. They have no fat fin at all.
The two species that are sold for aquariums are often confused. The fish is sold under the name Kryptopterus Minor. That is a glass catfish minor. But in fact, this species is sold very rarely, as it grows to a rather large size (25 cm). While the Indian catfish grows to only 10 cm.
Content Issues
Due to the fact that the fish in the content is quite complicated, it is not recommended to purchase it for inexperienced aquarium lovers. Before buying a glass catfish, you need to learn how to maintain an aquarium in accordance with the necessary parameters. If the water parameters change, catfish can get sick and even die. The view is prone to disease, is shy. Only very peaceful fish can be neighbors.
Content
The ideal water for a glass Indian catfish is soft, slightly acidified. These are the most sensitive fish to changes among all catfish. If you violate any conditions of detention, the fish may lose its transparency. It will become plain opaque. If this situation occurs, then this will mean that something is wrong with the aquarium.
These transparent fish prefer warm water. So that they retain their appearance and are not sick, it is necessary to ensure that the water is always no colder than 26 degrees. A sharp change in temperature must not be allowed. Ammonia and nitrates should be as low as possible. Representatives of the species are also very sensitive to these indicators. You cannot contain them alone. In nature, these catfish live in flocks, so they need to be settled from 10 individuals in the aquarium. If there are fewer of them or you get one fish, it will not live long.For a flock of 10 individuals, it is necessary to prepare at least a two-liter aquarium.
Since in nature these catfish live in rivers with a small current, it is advisable for them to create similar conditions in the aquarium. In addition, regular water changes must be performed. And the content of harmful substances should be controlled using a good filter. The pH should be between 6-7. Only observing all these conditions, you will maintain the health of the fish. They can live up to 8 years.
These fish will spend a lot of time in the thickets of algae. Therefore, it is important to provide them with dense thickets in which they could hide. Among the 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 a pipe maker, daphnia, artemia. But you can accustom them to granular feed. These should be small granules that will slowly sink to the bottom. The mouth of these fish is very small, so all the food you feed them should be shallow. It is important to remember that in nature they eat fry, so it is impossible that they are in the same aquarium with them.
Compatibility
Glass catfish is not dangerous for any species of fish, except fry. Therefore, in a general aquarium they can be well maintained.
Glass catfish are prone to various diseases. Therefore, if an individual shows signs of the disease, it must be quarantined, where treatment will be carried out. Sick catfish eat poorly, their body may become clouded, their behavior changes.
Gender differences
To date, experts do not have data on the sex differences of glass catfish.
Breeding
At home, this type of fish is bred extremely rarely. Fish sold in stores are most likely caught in nature. Also in some countries of Asia there are special farms for their breeding.
Video: glass catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus)
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