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Down arrow Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Kryptopterus macrocephalus  (Bleeker, 1858)
Common Names False Glass Catfish
Mottled Glass Catfish, Stribet Glasmalle (Denmark), Striped Glass Catfish, Tawny Glass Catfish
Type Locality Padang, Sumatra (?)
Synonym(s) Cryptopterus macrocephalus, Kryptopterichthys macrocephalus
Pronunciation Cry top ter russ. - mack kroh sef fa luss
Etymology Kryptopterus: From the Greek kryptos, meaning hidden and pteryx, meaning fin; in reference to the reduced or absent dorsal fin of this group of fishes. The specific epithet comes from the greek makros, meaning long, and cephale, meaning head; in reference to the longer head of this species.
Down arrow Species Information
Size 97mm or 3.8" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification Easily distinguished from the Glass Catfish (K. minor) in having a more translucent body with either a striped or a mottled pattern and larger size.
Sexing Males are more slender and have strong serrations on the posterior edge of the pectoral spine (females lack these serrations).
Down arrow Habitat Information
Distribution Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
Pacific, Malaysia Waters, Peninsular Malaysia Waters (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Pacific, Greater Sunda Island Rivers, Sumatra Waters (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Pacific, Greater Sunda Island Rivers, Borneo Waters (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Near Threatened, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2019.
pH 4.0 - 6.4
Temperature 22.0-27.0°C or 71.6-80.6°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters Usually found in tannin-stained, very acidic peat swamps, and as such, require more acidic water than the average tank.
Down arrow Husbandry Information
Feeding Readily feeds on live/frozen foods and other prepared foods such as pellets.
Furniture The substrate should be underlain with at least 1/2'' of peat. Provide plenty of driftwood as hiding spaces. Prefers an area of open water when active.
Compatibility A peaceful, schooling species that is compatible with most fish. Should be kept in groups of three or more indivduals. Ideal tankmates include pearl gouramis, clown rasboras (Rasbora kalochroma), two spot catfish (Mystus bimaculatus), bar-bellied spiny eels (Macrognathus circumcinctus) and other Asian blackwater fish in a biotope tank.
Breeding Not Reported.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Down arrow Further Information
Reference Acta Societatis Regiae Scientiarum Indo-Neêrlandicae v. 4 (art. 2), pp 293.
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Last Update 2020 Sep 19 05:15 (species record created: 2004 Nov 08 00:00)