Striped glass catfish (Kryptopterus macrocephalus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
False glass catfish, Mottled glass catfish, Tawny glass catfish, Cryptopterus macrocephalus
Family
Siluridae (sheatfishes)
Origin
Southeast Asia: Sumatra, Borneo and the Malay Peninsula, usually in tannin-stained, very acidic peat swamps.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
9.7 cm
Temperature
22–27°C
pH
4–6.4
Hardness
Very soft (estimate; not given by source)
Minimum tank
100 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A peaceful, shoaling midwater catfish. PlanetCatfish says to keep groups of three or more; we suggest five or more, as it is nervous alone. As our estimate, a tank of about 80 × 35 cm (around 100 litres) suits a small group. It comes from peat swamps, and PlanetCatfish recommends a layer of at least 1 cm of peat under the substrate, plus plenty of driftwood for hiding places. Dim light, floating plants and leaf litter to stain the water help it settle. Keep the current gentle. Water should be soft and acidic: PlanetCatfish gives 22–27 °C and pH 4.0–6.4. Keep conditions stable and clean, and acclimatise new fish slowly. Identification and sexing: larger than the common glass catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus), with a less transparent body marked with either stripes or mottling. Males are slimmer and have strong serrations on the rear edge of the pectoral spine. PlanetCatfish lists it as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2019), as its peat-swamp habitat is being lost. FishBase could not be checked for this page. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=610). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Readily feeds on live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, mosquito larvae, Daphnia and brine shrimp, and on prepared foods such as small pellets. Feed small amounts in midwater, where it lives.

Breeding

Not reported in the aquarium (PlanetCatfish). Males can be told by their slimmer bodies and strongly serrated pectoral spines.

Compatibility and tank mates

A peaceful schooling species that PlanetCatfish says is compatible with most fish. Choose calm, small to medium tankmates that like soft, acidic water, such as rasboras, small gouramis and other peat-swamp fish. Avoid boisterous or nippy species. Very small fry and shrimp may be eaten.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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