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antipodi
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Mon Mar 13, 2006 12:08 am
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 Glass CatFish ..Breeding and care
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Glass CatFish ..Breeding and care
Animal Description:
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The Glass Catfish, also known as the Indian Ghost, Ghost Fish, Glass Catfish, or Glass Cat, is a very unique fish. Its translucent body allows onlookers to see its inner body, including organs and the skeleton. Glass Catfish are very active, peaceful, and will give their caretakers hours of enjoyment.
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Glass Catfish usually need to be kept in groups of five or more. If they are not kept in groups, they will often go into a state of stress, and many will die from the stress. The Glass Catfish is a great community fish, if kept in a large enough tank. They will generally not bother other fish, unless they are small enough to be eaten. They should not be kept with fry, as the Glass Catfish will eat them. They do not like a lot of light. In darkness or low light, the Glass Catfish will come into the open and swim around. If their tank is brightly illuminated, they will usually hide from the light. Glass Catfish should be kept in large tanks with plenty of rocky coves and hiding places, as well as dense, live vegetation.
The appearance of the Glass Catfish is what makes it so popular. As mentioned before, the Glass Catfish gets its name from its clear body. Internal organs and the skeleton structure can be seen from outside. The Glass Catfish usually has a few light patches of dark color on its head and under its body. They also have a silvery layer of scales, which will reflect ambient light. This acts as a camouflage and has the ability to make the Glass Catfish blend into its surroundings.
At maturity, the Glass Catfish will reach a size of four to six inches. They have two maxillary barbells, and a long anal fin with 50 to 70 rays in it. Glass Catfish do not see very well, but they do have several whiskers, which they use to feel their way around. The two sexes are completely indistinguishable.
Glass Catfish are pretty hardy, but require a few special conditions. They must be kept in schools of five or more. Also, they must have a powerhead, or some kind of current producing device in their tank to swim against. Glass Catfish reside in fast flowing rivers, and if they don't have a strong current to swim against, they will perish. Glass Catfish like small, live foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, glass worms, tubifex worms, and plankton. They will also eat flake and freeze dried foods, however, but most seem to prefer live foods. They do not feed off the bottom like many other catfish do.
Breeding and Propagation:
Relative Breeding Ease: Relatively Difficult
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There are a few reported cases of Glass Catfish breeding in captivity. It is, however, extremely rare and difficult. No techniques have been discovered to breed them in an aquarium. They must be imported directly from Southeast Asia, out of the streams. It is generally believed that Glass Catfish lay and scatter their eggs.
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Common Name: Catfish - Ghost
Other Common Names: Ghost Fish, Glass Catfish, Glass Cat, Indian Ghost
Scientific Name: Kryptopterus bicirrhis (Full Taxonomy)
Group: Catfish
Origin or Range: Asia
Relative Size: Average
(as compared to other freshwater fish)
Average Lifespan: ??? year(s)
Compatibility: Non-Aggressive
(as compared to other freshwater fish)
Category: Fish » Freshwater Fish
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