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African Glass Catfish
Pareutropius debauwi
📍 West Africa
African Glass Catfish are small, transparent freshwater catfish native to West Africa, prized for their unique see-through bodies that reveal their internal organs and swim bladder. They are schooling fish that thrive in groups and prefer dimly lit, heavily planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots. These peaceful, nocturnal fish are excellent for community aquariums but require stable water conditions and gentle tankmates.
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Care Guide
Diet
African Glass Catfish are omnivorous and prefer small live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms, supplemented with high-quality sinking pellets and frozen foods. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, as they have small mouths and are nocturnal feeders. They may also nibble on algae wafers and vegetable matter.
Behavior
These fish are nocturnal and schooling in nature, becoming most active during low-light periods and at night. They are shy and peaceful, spending much of the day hiding among plants and decorations, emerging to feed during twilight hours. They should always be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior.
Breeding
Breeding African Glass Catfish in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very specific water conditions, including soft, acidic water and precise temperature fluctuations to trigger spawning. Commercial breeding is limited, making captive-bred specimens relatively rare in the aquarium trade.
Tank Mates
Similar size and peaceful temperament; both prefer dimly lit tanks
Peaceful schooling fish with compatible water parameter requirements
Small, gentle fish that won't outcompete for food or space
Bottom-dwelling catfish with peaceful temperament and similar care needs
Peaceful and non-aggressive; prefers similar water conditions
Peaceful invertebrate that won't prey on glass catfish
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; ensure good water quality and reduce stress
Bacterial Infection
Fin rot, body sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, erratic swimming
Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, use antibiotic medication if severe; isolate affected fish in quarantine tank
Stress-Related Illness
Loss of appetite, hiding excessively, faded coloration, weakened immune response
Maintain stable water parameters, keep in groups of at least 6, provide plenty of hiding spots, reduce tank disturbances, ensure dim lighting
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, clamped fins, lethargy
Use anti-parasitic medication, perform water changes, improve tank hygiene, quarantine if necessary; treat entire tank if infestation is widespread
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - small live foods, frozen foods, and quality sinking pellets
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)