ExploreFish

Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus Ng &

Glass Catfish are unique fish with transparent bodies that make them look like glass. They are peaceful swimmers and enjoy being in groups. Their see-through appearance helps them blend in with their surroundings.

Habitat: Freshwater

Appearance

The Glass Catfish is famously transparent, allowing you to see its internal organs, spine, and tiny bones. Its body has no scales, just a silvery sheen over its head and a few delicate, almost invisible fins. This unique appearance makes it stand out from other fish.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderSiluriformesFamilySiluridaeGenusKryptopterus

Glass Catfish

Interesting facts

Their swim bladder is the *only* part of them that isn't see-through!

These fish have almost no pigment, meaning very little color at all!

When scared, they can become completely still, looking like a piece of glass!

You can see their tiny heart beating right inside their clear chest!

Special abilities

Glass Catfish can become almost invisible in water because their body is clear, helping them hide from both predators and prey.

Glass Catfish has two long, sensitive barbels near its mouth that help it find food by sensing vibrations and smells in dark or murky water.

Glass Catfish can quickly blend into its watery surroundings by orienting its body to reflect light, making it difficult for other animals to spot.

Measurements & details

Length: 6-7 cm
Weight: 0.001-0.005 kg
Lifespan: 6-8 years
Swim Speed: 1.5 km/h
Max Depth: 3 m
Water Type: Freshwater

Diet & Feeding

They are tiny hunters, mostly eating small bugs and critters floating in the water.

Primary Foods

insect larvae
small crustaceans
zooplankton

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Northern snakehead

Channa argus

Larger fish often hunt them in their natural habitat.

eats

Yellow fever mosquito

Aedes aegypti

They help control mosquito populations by eating their larvae.

eats

Common water flea

Daphnia pulex

They feed on tiny crustaceans that drift in the water.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.