Clown Featherback Knifefish

Chitala ornata

Clown Featherback Knifefish is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Best kept as a solitary specimen.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBest kept as a solitary specimenAdvanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 39.4" (≤ 100 cm)
Aquarium size: 132 US gal (500 L) or larger
Care level: Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 75–84°F (24–29°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 15 years
Group behavior: Best kept as a solitary specimen

Care requirements

Care level: Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 15 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 132 US gal (500 L) or larger. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–29 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Clown Featherback Knifefish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Best kept as a solitary specimen.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Best kept as a solitary specimen.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Clown Featherback Knifefish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 132 US gal (500 L) or larger.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Best kept as a solitary specimen.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Banded Archerfish Toxotes jaculatrix Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 77–86°F (25–30°C) Black Ghost Knifefish Apteronotus albifrons Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 19.7" (≤ 50 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Apollo’s Leporinus Leporinus apollo Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Clown Featherback Knifefish get?

Clown Featherback Knifefish reaches ≤ 39.4" (≤ 100 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Clown Featherback Knifefish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 132 US gal (500 L) or larger.

Is Clown Featherback Knifefish peaceful?

Yes. Clown Featherback Knifefish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.