Glass catfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits large rivers with turbid waters . Reported to prefer fast flowing water and usually occurs along the shores . Enters flooded fields . Found in lowland streams to peat adjacent in large school up to 100 fish . Diurnal. Feeds mostly on pelagic hemipterans and some small fishes , also on worms, crustaceans and insects . The clearest body of world's fish . Used to make prahoc or fish sauce and regularly seen in the aquarium trade . Aquarium keeping: at least 10 individuals; minimum aquarium size 100 cm .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Anal soft rays: 55 - 68. Rudimentary dorsal fin; the maxillary barbels reaching to the anal fin; 55-68 anal rays . Dorsal profile arched with a nuchal concavity; pectoral-fin length greater than head length .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Glass catfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical; 21°C - 26°C
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Glass catfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Glass catfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Glass catfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | ghostfish · Glass Catfish · Indian glass wels |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cryptopterus amboinensis | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Cryptopterus bicirris | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Kryptopterus bicirrus | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Silurus bicirrhis | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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