Glass Catfish

A see-through catfish from Thailand, with its bones and organs clearly visible. Unlike most catfish it swims in open water as a group, and it was long misidentified in the trade.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Mature females are usually rounder in the belly, and males are usually slimmer and often brighter.

A long tank with open swimming water, plants around the edges and steady filtration suits this fish. A darker substrate and some floating plants usually bring out its colour.

Active and social, and most settled when kept with its own kind.

Keep a group of at least 6, and more if you can. Larger groups are calmer and show better colour and behaviour.

Not territorial, although males may spar and display.

Suits a community of similar-sized, peaceful fish that like the same water. Avoid large predators, which will treat it as food. It may eat baby shrimp.

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

A shy midwater feeder that hunts small invertebrates drifting in the current. Offer daphnia, baby brine shrimp, bloodworm and fine granules; some take flake only once settled in a group.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Not commonly bred in aquariums, and little has been recorded about how it spawns.