Description

Clown Knife Fish

The Clown Knife Fish (Chitala ornata) is an impressive predatory freshwater fish with a distinctive elongated, laterally compressed body and a long undulating anal fin. Mature specimens develop the characteristic dark eye-spots along the rear half of the body.

Native to river systems in Southeast Asia, including the Mekong, Chao Phraya and Meklong basins, this is a genuine giant aquarium fish, capable of reaching around 100cm. It should only be purchased by fishkeepers able to accommodate its eventual adult size.

Clown Knife Fish Care

Juvenile Clown Knife Fish may look relatively manageable when offered at around 7–8cm, but they grow into extremely substantial fish. They require a very large aquarium with powerful filtration, plenty of swimming room and unrestricted access to the surface.

Provide subdued lighting together with large pieces of wood, rocks or other substantial structures that create shaded retreats without restricting swimming space. A secure, tight-fitting cover is essential.

Although the current Shirley page suggests 900 litres, we’d be better describing this as a starting point rather than implying that 900L automatically provides suitable permanent accommodation for a metre-long adult.

Behaviour

Clown Knife Fish are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal predators. They may initially be shy and spend much of the day resting under cover, becoming considerably more active when the aquarium is quieter.

They are not indiscriminately aggressive towards other fish, but their predatory nature means that anything small enough to be swallowed should be considered potential food.

They can also be territorial towards their own species and other similar-looking knifefish.

Tank Mates

Suitable companions need to be large enough not to be eaten while remaining compatible in temperament.

Large, robust fish can potentially be maintained alongside a Clown Knife Fish in a sufficiently spacious aquarium, but overcrowding should be avoided. Small community fish, shrimps and other bite-sized inhabitants are unsuitable.

Adult size must always be considered when selecting tank mates rather than basing compatibility on the comparatively small juvenile offered for sale.

Feeding

Clown Knife Fish are carnivorous predators.

Juveniles can be offered appropriately sized foods such as mysis, krill, bloodworm, chopped mussel and cockle. As the fish grows, larger foods such as whole prawns, mussels, cockles and suitable whole fish can be introduced.

A varied diet is preferable to relying heavily on a single food. Avoid routinely feeding mammalian or poultry meat such as beef heart or chicken.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.0–8.0
Maximum size: Up to approximately 100cm
Purchase size: Approx. 7–8cm
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Predatory; territorial towards similar fish
Care level: Advanced
Aquarium: Specialist very large aquarium required

The Clown Knife Fish is a spectacular species, but its eventual size makes it unsuitable for the overwhelming majority of ordinary home aquariums. For keepers with sufficient space, filtration and experience, however, it can become an extraordinary specimen fish.

If you have any questions about keeping these fish and whether they’re suitable for you, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions

Why not check out our other photos of some of the best livestock to have graced our tanks!