Clown Knifefish Tropical Fish Information
Chitala ornataBehaviour 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 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.