How to Keep Glass Catfish

Glass catfish are one of the most unusual fish kept by hobby fish owners. These small fish are completely transparent, with each organ and bone visible through their clear flesh. Glass catfish originated in the warm, tropical waters of southeast Asia, and have adapted well to tank living. Glass catfish are more demanding than other species of catfish, but with proper care and attention, will thrive in your aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium with filtration system
  • Gravel
  • Aquarium plants
  • Water treatment kit
  • Tank heater
  • Dried worms
  • Lighted hood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rinse an empty aquarium with clean water, and place it on a sturdy stand. Glass catfish thrive in groups of six or more, so your aquarium should be a minimum of 30 gallons to provide adequate space for each fish. Place the filter base in the bottom of the tank, and cover with clean aquarium gravel. Secure three or four aquarium plants in the gravel to give the catfish plenty of cover.

    • 2

      Fill the tank with room temperature water, and test its pH with a water treatment kit. The ideal pH level for glass catfish is between 6.8 and 7.2, so add the appropriate chemicals as directed in the treatment kit. Plug in the filter and allow the tank to cycle for at least a week before introducing the fish.

    • 3

      Hang the tank heater over the side of the aquarium and adjust the heat until the water stays between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Glass catfish are tropical fish, and if the temperature strays outside this range, the fish may die.

    • 4

      Introduce the catfish to their new tank gradually. Open the bag containing the fish and pour 1/2 cup water from the tank into the bag. Let the fish rest for an hour, and then pour another 1/2 cup water in with the fish. This slow acclimation brings the bag to the same temperature as the water, preventing shock. Leave the fish alone for one more hour, and then pour them into the tank.

    • 5

      Cover the tank with a lighted hood to illuminate the tank and prevent the fish from jumping out. Let the fish explore their new tank for 24 hours before feeding them. Glass catfish eat live bugs in the wild, so a steady diet of frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex worms is adequate to keep your fish happy and well-fed. Sprinkle two or three worms per fish over the surface, observing the fish as they eat. If they gobble down the worms and beg for more, increase feedings to five worms per fish each day.