Kryptopterus Macrocephalus

Datasheet

General Description

The Striped Glass Catfish, scientifically known as Kryptopterus Macrocephalus, is also known as the 'false glass catfish,' 'mottled glass catfish,' or 'tawny glass catfish.' It belongs to the family Siluridae within the order Siluriformes. This species is native to Southeast Asia and is recognized for its striped or mottled coloration, with prominent dark brown spots or stripes on its body. It has a maximum size of around 10.0cm and requires a minimum tank size of 160 litres.

Aquarium Setup

The Striped Glass Catfish thrives in a well-decorated aquarium setup with some surface or floating vegetation. It prefers relatively dim lighting conditions. Adding dried leaf litter and alder cones can enhance the natural feel of the environment. Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial, with a pH range between 4.0 and 7.0, hardness of 18-143ppm, and a temperature range of 20-26°C (see table for more details). Avoid introducing this species to a biologically immature tank to prevent fluctuations in water chemistry.

Behaviour

This species is generally peaceful but may prey on smaller fish species. It tends to be timid and does not thrive with larger, more robust tankmates. The Striped Glass Catfish is gregarious and often forms schools, so it is recommended to keep at least four individuals together. Compatible tankmates include peaceful, similar-sized cyprinids, loaches, and other catfish species. Proper research on tankmate compatibility is essential before introducing any new fish to the aquarium.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, the Striped Glass Catfish likely preys on crustaceans, invertebrates, and smaller fish. However, in captivity, they can be fed a varied diet consisting of sinking dried foods, live or frozen bloodworms, Tubifex, and occasional small earthworms. Providing a diverse diet ensures proper nutrition and overall health for the fish. Live foods can be incorporated into their diet but are not necessary for their survival in a well-maintained aquarium.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Information on the reproduction of the Striped Glass Catfish is unrecorded. Adult males of this species can be distinguished from females by their slimmer appearance. Additionally, the posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine in males is serrated, whereas it is smooth in females. These subtle differences can help in identifying the sex of individual fish in a group.

Habitat and Distribution

The Striped Glass Catfish inhabits peat swamp forests and blackwater streams in regions such as southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. These environments are characterized by dense canopy cover, minimal light penetration, and darkly stained water due to the presence of humic acids from decaying organic matter. The species is stenotypic and is typically found in habitats with minimal dissolved mineral content and acidic water with pH levels as low as 3.0 to 4.0. The Sungai Kepayan river in Sarawak state, Malaysia, is an example of a blackwater habitat where this species has been collected among various sympatric fish species.