Glass Catfish questions

D

dewilde2

Illinifish
Aug 8, 2006
253
0
0
42
St Louis
Hey everyone-
Several months ago, I purchased two glass cats from the LFS, and they did great in my tank. They were out and about all the time, often resting at an angle, never far from the other. Unfortunately, one of the glass cats succumbed to a water change mistake on my part. The remaining glass cat retreated to the cave, which I had never seen him in before. He'll get in there even with my pleco in there. Anyway, I figured he was lonely, so we got him a buddy about two weeks ago. Now they BOTH just live in the cave. I can't get them to come out at all, and they don't seem to be as buddy buddy as the other pair was. I have read that they take a while to acclimate, but since the one had been in there was fine before his buddy passed.....
So, the question is, should I get another one? Would they feel more comfortable in more numbers? How many more should I get? I wanted to just get one more, because I am kind of stocked up, and didn't know if 3 was a bad number. The pleco is going to be moved in about a month as soon as my friend's new big tank is done cycling, so that will free up some room.
Any sugggestions?
Also, what kind of food should they be eating? They seem to eat the flake food, but I've read that they like daphnia and tubifex, so I want to make sure they're getting what they need.
Thanks for all your advice!
 
i would definitely get a couple more. From what I heard glass catfish do best in groups and the more of them there are the more active they become. I plan on getting some in the future, and this is what I have heard from others.
 
What are the water parameters: ammonia, nitrite, nitrate?

I have a school of 5 glass catfish in my 29 gal and definitely agree with the advise to get more. They are a sensitive species that will die quickly from stress, either due to poor water quality or too small a school.

As for feeding, mine will eat anything. They're real piggies. They're technically insectivores (like bettas) and love things like live blackworms, frozen bloodworms, daphnia. Mine also go readily for pellets or flakes. I was surprised they even love cut up peas. I don't give them vegetable matter very much, though, because meat-eaters (including those that eat bugs, like these guys) can't handle too much fiber and stuff. So try to stick to mostly meaty stuff or else it could result in bloat or digestive issues.
 
Last edited:
Thanks!

Thanks for everyone's advice. I purchased one this weekend (they only had one in a compatible size) and already I've noticed an improvement. The three of them hang out now, outside of the cave! It's great. I might still get two more though to make them more comfortable. Thanks again!
 
I've had my 3 glass cats for over 3 years now! When I moved them from 25 to 90 gallon, they were in the caves for weeks! It has been a couple of months now and they are free swimming all over the tank and never hide. So I would say it was a stress factor. As for feeding, I love feeding them blood worms as you can see the red worms inside their big bellies!! Really cool!
 
dewilde, great to hear they're doing better! :)

bluefinned, you can actually see the food in their tummies? Mine just get big fat silver marbles for stomachs! They eat so much I'm afraid they might explode :D
 
Totally!! I can see "red patches" what's gotta be blood worms inside their bellies after they fill up - very cool fish. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom