Clown Knife Fish
Chitala chitala
Also known as: Clown Knife Fish, Spotted Knife Fish, Clown Featherback
Origin: Southeast Asia
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 100 cm
- Min Tank
- 500 L
- Lifespan
- 10-15
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- carnivore
- Temperament
- aggressive predator; highly territorial with large fish
About
Chitala chitala is a large notopterid found across South and Southeast Asian river systems. It uses a long, ribbon-like anal fin to propel itself forward and backward with equal grace. Despite its impressive appearance it is an aggressive predator that will consume any fish it can engulf, and can only be housed with similarly large, robust species.
Care Guide
Water: 24-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard. Tank: Minimum 500L, large caves and overhangs, subdued lighting, tight lid. Feeding: Carnivore; live fish (sparingly), prawns, earthworms, large chunks of white fish, pellets. Behaviour: Aggressive predator; territorial toward other large fish sharing its space. Compatibility: Species tank or with very large, robust fish such as large catfish or Snakeheads.
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