Glass Catfish

Glass Catfish

Description of the Glass Catfish
The Glass Catfish is also known as the Ghostfish. As its name suggests the glass catfish is transparent apart from its head, internal organs and bones. It originates from South East Asia and is a peaceful community fish. In Cambodia, the Khmer people use the glass catfish as an ingredient in a pickle type condiment called 'Prahok'.

Profile of the Glass Catfish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Glass Catfish species.

• Size: Up to 15cm

• Fish Tank conditions: Temp 21-26 Degrees PH 6.1-6.7

• Diet / Feeding: Daphnia or Flaked food

• Temperament: Peaceful Community Fish

• Habitat: Rivers and Streams

• Behaviour: Should always be kept in large groups

• Range: Borneo, Indonesia

Scientific Classification of the Glass Catfish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Kryptopterus bicirrhis

• Popular Name: Glass Catfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Siluriformes

• Family: Siluridae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Glass Catfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Glass Catfish slimy?
Glass Catfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Glass Catfish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Glass Catfish have gills?
Gills enable the Glass Catfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Glass Catfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Glass Catfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Glass Catfish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Glass Catfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Glass Catfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Glass Catfish