Glass Catfish
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
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
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
Ability
Living Invisibility Cloak
Glass Catfish can become almost invisible in water because their body is clear, helping them hide from both predators and prey.
Ability
Silent Seeker Whiskers
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.
Ability
Quick Camouflage
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
- Maximum 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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Ghost CatfishPhantom Catfish
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
When observing Glass Catfish in aquariums, do not tap on the glass as it can stress them. Always be gentle around fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Glass Catfish?
6-7 cm
How much does Glass Catfish weigh?
0.001-0.005 kg
How long does Glass Catfish live?
6-8 years
What does Glass Catfish eat?
They are tiny hunters, mostly eating small bugs and critters floating in the water.
How fast can Glass Catfish swim?
1.5 km/h
Where is Glass Catfish usually found?
Freshwater
How does Glass Catfish hunt?
Foraging
How deep can Glass Catfish go?
3 m
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
