Fin's Fish Guide
The Congo glass catfish (Parailia congica) is a freshwater fish of the family Schilbeidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in calm, forested rivers and creeks.
Description
The Congo glass catfish is a slender, semi-transparent catfish of the family Schilbeidae (glass catfishes) reaching about 9 cm. Unlike most catfishes it does not live on the bottom but swims actively in schools in open water; the pale, partly translucent body has long barbels around the mouth and a long anal fin, and lacks or has a strongly reduced dorsal fin. The pectoral fins bear small spines. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in quiet, forested rivers and creeks. It eats insects, small crustaceans and zooplankton from the water column. For its lively schooling and translucent body it is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Congo glass catfish?
The Congo glass catfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, semi-transparent small glass catfish with long barbels and a long anal fin; swims actively in shoals in open water.
Where does the Congo glass catfish live?
The Congo glass catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in calm, forested rivers and creeks.
How big does the Congo glass catfish get?
The Congo glass catfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Congo glass catfish dangerous to humans?
The Congo glass catfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The pectoral and dorsal fins bear stout, serrated spines that can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle a caught animal carefully and clean any wound.
Is the Congo glass catfish edible?
The Congo glass catfish is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Congo glass catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Congo glass catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Parailia
More from the family Schilbeidae
Want the complete picture on the Congo glass catfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Congo glass catfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.