Two-barbel Glass Catfish

Adults can reach a length of 12–15 cm. The body shape of this fish differs from the typical catfishes: it is elongated and laterally compressed. The dorsal fin is completely absent, and the anal fin extends from the head to the caudal part. Their coloration is grey. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed; males and females are visually difficult to distinguish. This catfish is a close relative of the Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus) and is almost indistinguishable from it in appearance, but it can be identified by its opaque body.

Its natural range extends across Southeast Asia, covering key river systems in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, and the Greater Sunda Islands (Sumatra, Borneo, Java). This species has been recorded in the Mekong, Chao Phraya, Hari, Rajang, and Kapuas rivers, as well as their numerous tributaries. It inhabits areas with fast currents, and at the end of the rainy season, it is found in calm backwaters of floodplain lakes and swamps.

This catfish is distinguished by its peaceful, even timid nature. This is an obligate shoaling species: it should be kept in a group of at least 6–8 individuals, preferably 8–10. Alone or in a small group the fish hide, refuse food and quickly weaken. When choosing tank mates, one can select fish of similar size. The catfish will not be able to successfully compete for food with large and overly active species. It is also important to remember its carnivorous diet. Fry and other very small aquarium inhabitants can accidentally become its prey.

For a shoal of 6–8 individuals, the optimal aquarium volume starts from 250 liters. The tank setup can be anything, but given the timidity of this catfish, it is advisable to provide several hiding places. These can be dense plant thickets or a labyrinth of intertwined driftwood. Any decorative elements will also work. The Two-barbel Indian Glass Catfish is not particularly demanding regarding water parameters; it can comfortably exist in a fairly wide range of pH and dGH values. This circumstance simplifies its maintenance in the aquarium in terms of water preparation. Nevertheless, it should not be placed in a biologically uncycled aquarium. It is important to ensure stable water conditions and avoid the accumulation of organic waste, as this can disrupt the nitrogen cycle.

In the wild, the catfish is a carnivorous species; its diet consists of crustaceans, invertebrates, and smaller fish. In home aquariums, it should be offered a varied diet, combining dry, frozen, and, if possible, live foods of appropriate size.

Due to its rarity in aquaristics, reliable data on the successful breeding of this species in home aquariums are unavailable.

Most health problems in fish often arise from unsuitable keeping conditions. Maintaining a stable and comfortable habitat is a key factor for successful keeping. If symptoms of illness appear, the first step is to check the water quality. If deviations are found, it is important to take immediate measures to eliminate them. If the symptoms do not disappear or worsen, medicinal treatment may be required.

When selecting healthy individuals, pay attention to body transparency: in a healthy fish, it should be clear, without cloudy spots, whitish film, or ulcers. Avoid specimens with damaged barbels, signs of emaciation, or a sunken belly. In the store, the fish should be schooling and active, not lying motionless on the bottom, unless this is their brief stress reaction to transfer. Due to the species' high sensitivity to environmental conditions, it is recommended to purchase only fish that have been kept in clean water with good filtration. Given the social nature of the species, do not buy fewer than 10 individuals at a time, as solitary keeping or too small a group leads to severe stress, refusal to eat, and rapid death.