What size tank do glass catfish need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Kryptopterus vitreolus.
How many glass catfish in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if glass catfish are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many glass catfish |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | up to 9 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 13 |
| 55 gallon | up to 18 |
| 75 gallon | up to 25 |
| 125 gallon | up to 42 |
Check glass catfish against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, glass catfish hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for glass catfish
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Bolivian ram
- Bristlenose pleco
- Upside-down catfish
- Bronze corydoras
- Clown pleco
- Kuhli loach
- Pearl gourami
- Honey gourami
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as glass catfish.
- Molly: They need different water: Glass catfish likes a pH of 6–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do glass catfish need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many glass catfish should be kept together?
At least 6. Glass catfish are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can glass catfish live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Glass catfish needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).
What temperature do glass catfish need?
73–81 °F (23–27 °C), with a pH of 6–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can glass catfish live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 30 gallons (114 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–81 °F (24–27 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Clown loach
- Yoyo loach
- Hillstream loach
- Pictus catfish
- Upside-down catfish
- Boeseman's rainbowfish
- All 81 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.