Description
The main difference to K. minor is the longer anal fin of the Glass Catfish, which in the latter has more than 54 and up to 68 rays. The present species also grows much larger – 15 cm (5.9 in) standard length, or twice the size of its relative; specimens measuring as much as 24.5 cm (9.6 in) standard length are reputed to exist. Its head is also lighter on average.
Like the Ghost Catfish, K. bicirrhis is transparent except for the head, bones, and the internal organs which are located directly behind the head. They are transparent because, like all catfish, they are scaleless, and catfish within the genus Kryptopterus lack body pigment. When struck by light, they show an iridescence, and when dead, they turn milky white. They have two long barbels, which are as long again as the body in front of the anal fin. The dorsal fin is reduced to a tiny triangle, and the pectoral fins are longer than the head.
Read more about this topic: Glass Catfish
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