Glass Catfish. How many, if any in a 20g long?

[lateinningmagic]

So I was at my local pet land discounts and saw some Glass Catfish for the first time ever and thought they were awesome. I read these are schooling fish, but didn't see a minimum amount. Anyone have these or know what the minimum should be?

I have a 20 gallon long that is cycling and plan on the following:

5 Neon Tetras (Already have them, they are in QT)
2 Guppies (In separate QT, asked for a male and female, hopefully that is what I got)

2 BN Plecos
2 ADF (Having a hard time finding ADF and not ACF)

Could I keep a small school of Glass Catfish? Maybe 4 or 5? The less, the better for me. I want variety in my tank, so if I could get away with less and add other fish, that would be better.

Do I have enough space for another species of fish? Patys? Swordtails? Small Gourami? I'm not as into ADF since I can't seem to find them, so I may just forget about them.

 

[kyryah]

These guys are schoolers, I did research on them awhile back because my daughter wanted them. They should be kept in a shoal of at least 6, and if I remember correctly get about 6 inches long. I don't think you have enough space.

Kristina

ETA: I was wrong on size but I did find that 20 g is recommended for a shoal of six.

 

[lateinningmagic]

These guys are schoolers, I did research on them awhile back because my daughter wanted them. They should be kept in a shoal of at least 6, and if I remember correctly get about 6 inches long. I don't think you have enough space.

Kristina

ETA: I was wrong on size but I did find that 20 g is recommended for a shoal of six.

Did you see if they could be kept with other fish? Not temperament wise as I read they are peaceful. I mean in regards to overstocking. Point me to the article/site please

I have feeling though it will be like the Tiger barbs. Schooling fish, about 6 or more. Ok in 20g, but not much room for more. I was hoping the catfish would be a little more compatible then tiger barbs.

 

[vanillarum]

I have had glass cats for over a year, and they're pretty cool. I started out with 6, having read that was acceptable, but 3 only lasted a month or so. I have had the other 3 almost a year. They are very shy fish, except at feeding time and when the lights go out, or get turned down. When I turn on the moonlights, they are out and about and all over the tank. The same is true at feeding time. Currently, mine "hide" behind the filter intake near the top of the tank. By hide I mean they only hide their heads, the rest of their bodies are out in the open ! Good luck. Look behind the filter intake, you can see one if mine "hiding" !

 

[lateinningmagic]

I see it! Nice looking fish.

Unfortunately, after a bit more research it looks like the ones I saw today would not be appropriate for my tank:

"There are many types of "Glass Catfish" and the two types that are most easily confused are Kryptopterus Minor and Kryptopterus Bichirris. The main difference between the two is their size; K. Minor is 2.5 inches while K. Bichirris can reach a size of 6.5 inches. K. Minor is a very beautiful catfish with an absent dorsal fin and lack of body pigmentation"

The one's I saw were definitely blue and those grow to big to live in a 20g tank. Oh well.

 

[vanillarum]

Don't despair ! The smaller ones are quite common. I have seen them in Petco and Pet Smart, and there are some for sale at a few places online. And, they are relatively inexpensive. Look around. If they are what you want, I'm sure you can find some. Good luck.