Clown Knifefish Tropical Fish Information

Chitala ornata
Clown Knifefish
Behaviour Aggressive towards others of its kind
Typical size 50cm
Max size 100cm
Tank Area Middle
Min Tank Size 180cm
Max Number 1
Temp Min: 24℃ Max: 28℃
Feeding Live, frozen, pellet, dried, meaty foods
pH Range 5.5-7.5
Hardness vs,s,m
Clown Knifefish Chitala ornata
  • Clown Knifefish Chitala ornata - thumbnail

Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata)

Clown Knifefish Tropical Fish Learn all about the Clown Knifefish's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. Use our fish community creator tool to plan your tank set up and ensure that the Clown Knifefish is the right fish for your aquarium.

The Clown Knifefish is a beautiful fish, but reaches up to 100cm in the wild, and usually at least 50cm in aquariums, so only very large tanks (250cm/8 foot absolute minimum) are suitable. Plenty of hiding spots amongst decor and plants should be provided, along with open swimming spaces. Cover from bright light is also important. The Clown knife fish is intolerant of its own kind, so must be kept singly. Being a natural predator, tankmates must be a good size, peaceful, and robust.

This fish is excluded from the Compatibility Checker as it is unsuitable for community aquariums or may require expert care.

Clown Knifefish Facts

Family Notopteridae (Featherbacks or Knifefishes) | Synonyms Notopterus chitala, N. buchanani, N. ocellifer, Mystus chitala | Other names Clown Featherback | Origin Asia; Mekong River Basin | Breeding Eggs are laid on objects and cared for by both parents. Parental care is lost a few days after hatching | Natural Water Conditions pH 5.5-7, very soft to medium | Natural Habitat Flowing waters and large pools, flooded regions



Clown Knifefish Help and Advice

If you have a question about keeping Clown Knifefish's then please use our Clown Knifefish help forum. Join 100's of other fish enthusiasts with 1000's of years experience between them caring for and keeping fish like these.



Check tank mates for the Clown Knifefish fish species

You are in the thinkfish community creator for the Clown Knifefish fish species, you can learn all about how the tool works in assessing fish tank mate compatibility at the link provided or use the tool tips provided to guide you. Create a test fish community that includes the Clown Knifefish species and any other types of fish or crustacean you'd like to introduce - You can assess the best companions, tank size suitability, stocking levels based on filter type and volume and possible negative interactions and warnings as you build up your aquarium.

Please do check your water type for compatibility with your fish, which can be found on the Clown Knifefish information box above and your local water company providers website. Don't waste your money and endanger your fish!
Tank Details
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* Recent changes to stocking & filter advice October 2018
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Stocking
question mark  Max Stocking level: 0cm
0-1 months 20%: 0cm
1-3 months 40%: 0cm
3-6 months 60%: 0cm
question mark  Current stock level: 0cm
Stock percentage: 0%
question mark  Suggested maximum
fish size for your tank: 0cm
My Fishtank Quantity Stock cm

There are currently no fish in your fish tank. To add fish, you can click the 'Add the Clown Knifefish to your tank' button. Or search for a different fish using the options presented above

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See an example tank as it would show on a user profile with enabled settings and community tanks.

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