[uNGu]™ Fish : Kryptopterus bicirrhis - Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus bicirrhis, Valenciennes, 1839

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Origin:Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia(Sumatra, Java and Borneo).

Etymology: unk.

Synonyms: Cryptopterichthys bicirrhis, Cryptopterus amboiensis, Kryptopterichthys palembangensis, Silurus bicirrhis, Silurus palembangensis.

First European import: Germany, 1934, by Winkelmann.

Description: See picture(s).

Care: These fish are best kept in larger tanks in groups of 6 or more. This way they will display much of their natural behaviour, which is very intersting to observe. Kryptopteris bicirrhis requires current, and free swimming space, combined with some form of shelter(floating plants, large leaves)underneath which they will stand. As the fish are somewhat sensitive, frequent waterchanges with pre-treated water are required. Pretty indifferent towards watervalues, although the water shouldn't be too hard, and peat filtration can be beneficial. The fish will inhabit the middle and higher regions of a tank.

Temperature: 21-25 degrees.

Feeding: Omnivorous, all food is accepted, the food should be small.

Size: Up to 15 cm, but in aquaria usually smaller, 8-9 cm.

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding: Has been bred occasionally, although currently no detailed information is available. The eggs are virtually invisible, as are the fry. Usually some fry appear suddenly in community tanks.

Sexual dimorphism: Unknown.