Description
Albino Clown Knife Fish (Chitala ornata)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Chitala ornata
Common Names: Albino Clown Knifefish, Albino Featherback, White Clown Knife
Family: Notopteridae (Featherbacks and Knifefishes)
Order: Osteoglossiformes (same order as Arowanas)
Origin: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos — slow-moving rivers, lakes, and flooded wetlands
Size: Up to 36 inches (90 cm) in the wild; usually 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) in captivity
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Tank Zone: Mid to bottom dweller
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 100 – 300 ppm
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 26 – 30°C (79 – 86°F)
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Appearance: Distinctive pale white to cream body with a pinkish tint due to lack of pigmentation; faint silvery tones along the flanks.
Eyes: Reddish eyes — a typical feature of albino variants.
Body Shape: Elongated, laterally compressed knife-like shape with a long undulating anal fin used for graceful forward and backward swimming.
Behavior: Generally shy and nocturnal when young, but becomes more confident and territorial as it matures.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; may eat smaller fish.
🍽️ Food
Type: Carnivorous
Diet: Meaty foods like prawns, bloodworms, fish fillets, shrimp, and high-protein pellets.
Feeding: 1–2 times daily, preferably during evening or night.
Tip: Avoid feeder fish — risk of parasites.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 250 gallons (900 L) for adults; juveniles can start in 100 gallons.
Filtration: Strong and efficient — produces high waste.
Decor: Add hiding spots like driftwood, large pipes, or rock caves; provide open area for free swimming.
Lighting: Low to moderate lighting — avoid bright setups.
Water Change: 25–30% weekly to maintain pristine water quality.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: Solitary (may attack similar species).
Tank Mates: Compatible with large, calm fish — Arowanas, Oscars, large Barbs, Plecos, or Silver Dollars.
Avoid: Small community fish and other Knife Fish species.
✅ Do’s
Provide dim lighting and hiding spaces.
Feed high-protein meaty diet.
Maintain excellent filtration and water quality.
Handle gently — very sensitive scales and body.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep with small tank mates — they will be eaten.
Don’t keep in small tanks.
Don’t expose to bright lighting or sudden movements — can stress or injure itself.
⭐ Quick Tips
The Albino Clown Knife Fish is a rare, stunning variant of the regular Clown Knife Fish, prized for its pale, ghost-like appearance and graceful swimming.
It is a showpiece fish for large aquariums and ponds, best suited for experienced aquarists due to its size and space needs.
When kept in a proper environment, it grows majestic and can even recognize its owner over time.
