Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata)

Fish in the family Notopteridae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameChitala ornata

FamilyNotopteridae

Also known asClown Featherback, Spotted Knifefish

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size40 in

Minimum tank size300 gallons

Water parametersTemp 75-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 4-16 dGH

Appearance

Tall silver knife-shaped body with a long undulating anal fin and a row of black white-ringed ocelli along the lower flanks; humped back and small dorsal fin.

Difficulty and care for the Clown Knifefish

Hard

Origin and habitat

Southeast Asia (Mekong, Chao Phraya)

Keeper notes

A genuine monster fish reaching well over 3ft that swallows large fish; sold as cute juveniles but quickly outgrows most tanks and is a top predator. Keep only with very large robust tankmates. Powerful jumper requiring a heavy sealed lid.

Log Clown Knifefish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Clown Knifefish alongside everything else in your reef.

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