3 freshwater tank fish for tropical aquariums described

Three freshwater tank fish suitable for tropical aquariums are described here; the Glass Catfish, the GlassTetra and the Golden Octoclincus. Find out their behavior patterns, colors and any unusual physical characteristics, temperature and water requirements, feeding likes and dislikes, and optimal breeding conditions.

Glass catfish – Kryptopterus bicirrhis (Family: Siluridae)

Behaviour

Glass catfish are shy and prefer to be in a small school with their own species, but they do fine in a community aquarium. It is a delicate tropical fish that will grow to about 11 cm. It has an unusual mode of behavior in that it sometimes rests at the bottom of the tank, quite still, on the plants.

They may even be tilted to one side or head down and appear to be in poor health or worse, they are dying! However, they are not. This is normal for them and they will suddenly go off when disturbed.

Water and tank conditions

A temperature range of 25 to 29 degrees Celsius is suitable for this fish. Because he is shy, he must provide plenty of hiding places, whether with plants or aquarium decorations.

Features and colors

The most unusual feature of glass catfish is its transparency. Very often, under certain lighting conditions, it will appear practically invisible. And at other times you will see its skeleton. Another prominent feature is its two long barbels (whiskers) that project from the front.

As for the fins, the lower part of the tail fin is larger than the upper part. And if you notice black spots on the fish’s flanks, then your fish is sick and you need to take action.

Feeding

If you scatter food on the surface, this fish will eat it when it falls. His preference is a diet of small live foods.

Reproduction conditions

It appears that the Kryptopterus has not been successfully bred in captivity.

Glass tetra – Roeboides microlepis (Family: Characidae)

Behaviour

Also known as the small-scale glass tetra, it is a robust fish that can be argumentative and cause problems at meal times, so keep an eye out for that. It likes to stay at the bottom of the tank with its head in a downward position, but its appearance is quite different from that of the ‘headstander’ fish.

Water conditions

Standard tropical tank temperatures will suffice.

Features and colors

It has a large mouth, a curved back, and an elongated body with small scales. It can grow up to 10 cm when it is adult. It is not a true ‘glass’ species like glass catfish is, as you will not see its skeleton. The yellowish body has a blue-green band along its side, and under certain lighting conditions, you will see small shiny black dots.

The female is slightly thicker on the body than the male and when in a reproductive state the color of the male’s fins becomes deeper.

Feeding

Your diet should have a high percentage of live food. Be aware of their quarrelsome nature when it comes to eating, as mentioned above.

Reproduction conditions

Not easy to breed, but not impossible, as there have been reports of success. Due to its argumentative nature, it is critical that a compatible match is identified and used to improve the chances of success. Conditioning and separating the sexes before dating is also likely to be beneficial. A large tank is preferable and you should be aware that courtship is likely to be tough.

Otocinclus gold – Octocinclus affinis (Family: Loricariidae)

Behaviour

Also known as the dwarf sucking catfish there are other species of the genus Ocycinclus which are almost identical in all respects to the species described here. Although it is not a true ‘backwards’ fish, it will occupy this position below the surface. Even though it is a scavenger, your plants should be safe as long as they have plant matter to test for.

Water and tank conditions

It does not like bright light and will need a lot of foliage and places to hide. It can withstand a wide range of water temperatures, even lower levels, if there is enough oxygen in the water.

Features and colors

It will grow to about 4.5 cm, it has a long, slender body with an overall brown color. It has a dark brown back with a lighter shade underneath and darker mottling. All species of the genus Octocinclus do not have an adipose fin.

The female is slightly larger and full-bodied than the male. As a scavenger it has a suction mechanism formed by its lips and like an armored catfish its scales are rough bony plates. Its eyes are small and its snout is pointed.

Feeding

He is not fussy about food, but prefers plant matter and tubifex.

Reproduction conditions

There is not much information on the breeding of this freshwater tank fish, but it has been bred in captivity and reports suggest sticky eggs were laid on the sides of the tank and the eggs hatched after about two days.