The Kryptopterus Bicirrhis 4.5-5cm(Kryptopterus bicirrhis) is a transparent catfish native to South-East Asia, appreciated for its almost translucent body and its schooling behaviour in open water. Offered here as young specimens measuring 4.5-5 cm, it is ideal for a quiet community aquarium in our freshwater world, in one of our well-equipped aquariums.

Behaviour & maintenance

Kryptopterus bicirrhis is a very peaceful, gregarious species, which must be kept in groups (6 individuals minimum, 10+ recommended) to avoid stress.

• Swims mainly in schools in open water, often motionless under the current.
• It is very calm and should be kept with fish that are not aggressive or agitated.
• Likes moderate light and the presence of shaded areas and floating plants.

Provide an aquarium of at least 120 litres for a group, with a front long enough for swimming. Ensure effective filtration, a gentle to moderate current and well-oxygenated water. The use of starter bacteria is recommended to stabilise the cycle before introducing the fish, and regular monitoring of parameters via water tests is essential.

Feeding

The Kryptopterus is an omnivore with a tendency to micropredation, and is sometimes shy at mealtimes.

• Accepts fine flakes and floating or very slowly sinking micro-granules.
• Supplement with frozen/live food: artemia, daphnia, cyclops, small worms (in moderation).
• Distribute the food in the current so that it remains in suspension and is more easily accessible.

See our adapted foods for community fish. In densely planted tanks, support growth with aquarium fertiliser.

Water quality

• Ideal temperature: 24 - 28°C
• pH: 6.0 - 7.5
• GH: 3 - 12 °dGH
• KH: 1 - 6 °KH
• Conductivity: 100 - 300 µS

Species sensitive to nitrite and sudden changes in water quality. Before introduction, condition the water with a water conditioner and ensure that the tank is started up over several weeks. Carry out weekly water changes (20-30%) and monitor your parameters using water tests.

Decor & environment

In the wild, the Kryptopterus frequents calm or moderately-flowing rivers, often shaded.

• Aquarium substrate: sand or fine gravel, preferably dark to reassure the fish.
• Plenty ofnatural plants, including floating ones, to create shady areas.
• A few roots, branches and rocks to give structure to the space, leaving a large free swimming area in the centre.

For a harmonious setting, choose an aquarium substrate, natural plants and appropriate, subdued lighting, and add decorations to create areas of refuge.

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

To watch your glass catfish evolve without stress, keep them in large schools, with subdued light and a gentle current. Monitor the stability of your parameters with water tests: stability is better than perfection.

Shipping & delivery of live fish

The fish are shipped with care in suitable isothermal packaging to ensure their safety during transport.

Delivery methods

• France Express (secure home delivery in France, Belgium and Luxembourg)
• In-store collection at Sombreffe (Belgium)

Shipment organisation

• Orders closed: every Monday at 10.00 am.
• France: departures on Monday or Tuesday, depending on the delivery department, for delivery between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Belgium & Luxembourg: departures on Monday and Tuesday for delivery between Tuesday and Wednesday.