Royal Featherback (Notopterus chitala)

Fish in the family Notopteridae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameNotopterus chitala

FamilyNotopteridae

Also known asIndian Featherback, Humped Featherback

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi-aggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size30 in

Minimum tank size200 gallons

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

Appearance

Tall silver knife-shaped body with a humped back, long undulating anal fin running to the tail, and faint blotches along the flanks; small dorsal feather-like fin.

Difficulty and care for the Royal Featherback

Hard

Origin and habitat

South Asia (India, Bangladesh)

Keeper notes

A large nocturnal featherback predator that swallows small fish and shrimp; territorial toward other knifefish. Keep with large robust tankmates. Air-breather and a strong jumper.

Log Royal Featherback in your reef tank

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