Description
Clown Featherback Knife Fish (Chitala ornata)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Chitala ornata
Common Names: Clown Knifefish, Clown Featherback, Spotted Featherback
Family: Notopteridae (Featherbacks and Knifefishes)
Order: Osteoglossiformes (same as Arowanas)
Origin: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Indonesia — found in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and flooded fields
Size: Up to 36 inches (90 cm) in the wild; 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) in aquariums
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: Long, knife-shaped body with a silver base color and distinctive black circular spots along the rear half of the body — the “clown” pattern.
Fins: Continuous undulating anal fin used for smooth, gliding movement.
Behavior: Nocturnal and shy when young, becoming more confident and territorial as it matures.
Intelligence: Recognizes owners and can be trained to take food by hand.
Activity: Prefers dim environments and ample hiding spaces.
🍽️ Food
Type: Carnivorous
Diet: Live or frozen foods — prawns, fish fillets, bloodworms, earthworms, and meaty pellets.
Feeding: Feed 1–2 times daily, preferably during evening or night hours.
Note: Avoid feeder fish to prevent parasite infections.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 250 gallons (900 L) for adults; young ones can start in 100 gallons.
Filtration: Strong, efficient filtration — Clown Knifefish produce heavy waste.
Decor: Provide caves, PVC pipes, or driftwood; leave open space for swimming.
Lighting: Low to moderate — avoid bright lights.
Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: Solitary (can be aggressive to its kind).
Tank Mates: Large, peaceful to semi-aggressive species like Arowanas, large Barbs, Oscars, or Plecos.
Avoid: Small fish (they will be eaten) and other Knife Fish (territorial clashes).
✅ Do’s
Keep in large tanks with hiding areas.
Feed high-protein meaty diet.
Maintain stable, clean water.
Use dim lighting to reduce stress.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t house with small community fish.
Don’t keep multiple Knife Fish in small spaces.
Don’t expose to fluctuating temperatures.
⭐ Quick Tips
The Clown Featherback is among the most iconic and elegant large Knife Fish, famous for its distinct eye-like spots and gliding movement.
It is a showpiece fish for large aquariums and ponds, best suited for experienced aquarists.
Provide stable warm water and plenty of space — this species grows fast and becomes a beautiful centerpiece fish.
