Not furry, but we like them anyway.
African Glass Catfish
Pareutropius debauwi (Boulenger, 1900)
From Central Africa: the Congo River basin and coastal rivers of Gabon and the Republic of the Congo such as the Ogooue, Nyanga, Rembo Ngove; also recorded in Angola.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Slender, compressed, scaleless body
A silvery, flattened little catfish with a short dorsal fin, one pair of chin barbels and a dark band running along the middle of each side. Unlike the Asian glass catfish, it is not truly see-through.2
Personality what they are like
A peaceful, sociable fish that is busy during the day and moves as a tight school.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very active midwater swimmer that appreciates open swimming room and some current.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Give a roomy tank with open space, moderate flow and slightly subdued light; breeding at home is not recommended.2
Home where they are happiest
Tropical water of 23 to 26 C with pH 6.5 to 7.5 and a moderate current.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly eats insects in nature; in the aquarium accepts flakes, granules, frozen foods, Daphnia, mosquito larvae and brine shrimp.21
Company who they like around
Keep a large group, ideally ten or more, so it feels secure and shows natural schooling.21
The story where it all began
Boulenger described the species in 1900. It is widespread in central African rivers, where its breeding is tied to the flood season, and it has long been traded as a lively schooling catfish.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 16 February 2009)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Boulenger in 19001
- Family
- Schilbeidae (schilbid catfishes)1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a African Glass Catfish. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my African Glass Catfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily feeding with a variety of foods like flakes, granules, and frozen treats. Always check the food label and consult your vet for exact portions.21 Furry Diary plan
What does an African Glass Catfish eat, and what should it never eat?
In the wild they eat insects; in the aquarium they enjoy flakes, granules, frozen foods, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and brine shrimp. The input does not specify foods to avoid, so ask your vet or a good breeder for a safe diet plan.21
How much space does an African Glass Catfish need?
They need a roomy tank with open swimming space and a moderate current. Because they should be kept in a group of ten or more, a larger tank is ideal. For exact tank size, check with a good breeder or aquarium specialist.2
What temperature, light or water does an African Glass Catfish need?
Keep water temperature at 23, 26°C with a pH of 6.5, 7.5 and a moderate current. Provide slightly subdued lighting as bright light can be stressful.2
How often should I clean an African Glass Catfish's home?
Furry Diary's plan recommends a weekly 25% water change and water test, along with cleaning the glass. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never in tap water. Furry Diary plan
Can an African Glass Catfish live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful and sociable, thriving in a large school of ten or more of their own kind. They can also live with other peaceful fish, but always research compatibility and ask your vet or breeder for advice.21
How long does an African Glass Catfish live?
With proper care, your African Glass Catfish can live up to 8 years.2
Can I handle an African Glass Catfish?
It is best not to handle them, as their delicate scaleless body can be easily damaged and handling causes stress. If you must move them, use a soft net. The input does not cover handling details, so consult your vet or a good breeder.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Pareutropius debauwi fishbase.seused for distribution, size, IUCN, family, schooling, diet
- Wikipedia: Pareutropius debauwi en.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, lifespan, water parameters, diet, care, etymology
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.