Clown Featherback Knifefish

Chitala ornata

Clown Featherback Knifefish is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerAdvanced

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

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 100 cm (≤ 39.4 in)
Care level
Advanced
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature
24–29 °C
pH
6–8
GH
5–15 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 15 years

Care requirements

Care level: Advanced.

Because it uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, leave enough open substrate area instead of crowding that part of the aquarium.

The listed lifespan is up to 15 years.

Water parameters

The temperature range for this fish is 24–29 °C, which fits many tropical freshwater aquariums. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.

The pH range for this fish is 6–8. That points to a broad freshwater range, but stability is more important than sudden corrections.

The GH range for this fish is 5–15 dGH. That gives some flexibility, but sudden changes are usually more stressful than a stable value that is slightly imperfect.

Temperament and compatibility

As a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer, Clown Featherback Knifefish is best kept with calm species that will not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

Because this fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, compatibility is easier when other fish are not all competing for the same swimming space.

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.

Feeding

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

Because it feeds near the bottom, make sure food reaches the substrate and is not completely taken by faster fish in the open water.

Before adding this fish

  • Make sure the bottom area has enough open substrate for a group.
  • Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
  • Keep pH stable within the listed range instead of making sudden corrections.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

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

FAQ

How large does Clown Featherback Knifefish get?

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

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.

What temperature is suitable for Clown Featherback Knifefish?

The temperature range for this fish is 24 to 29 °C. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs and avoid sudden temperature swings.

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