Clown Knifefish

Common name Clown Knifefish
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Chitala chitala

Synonyms Formerly known as Notopterus chitala

Size Up to 40" (1 metre), but rarely more than 24" (60cm) in aquaria

Origin S.E. Asia

Tank setup A large tank with open swimming space and a gentle circulation. Subdued lighting. Preferably a sand substrate with smooth decor such as rounded stones and bogwood.

Compatibility Highly predatory, can be aggressive.

Temperature 25-28^oC (77-82^oF)

Water chemistry Not critical, but fairly soft with pH slightly acidic to neutral ideal.

Feeding Live/frozen meaty foods, such as whitebait, cockle, prawns, earthworms - may also take pellet foods which can be used to vary diet.

Sexing Unknown

Breeding Not bred in aquaria. Spawning takes place on a hard surface and the male guards the eggs and fry.

Comments One of the more striking knifefish, their bodies have a series of black spots, which vary in pattern between fish. They are very greedy feeders and hence require a good filtration system. They are best kept either singly, or in a group of at least 3 in a large tank, introduced to the tank as youngsters at the same time. Their mouths are deceptively large, so only keep with fish which are clearly too large to be swallowed. Suitable companions could include large catfish, Bichirs, Siamese Tigerfish.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Clown Knifefish	`© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Chitala chitala
Synonyms	Formerly known as Notopterus chitala
Size	Up to 40" (1 metre), but rarely more than 24" (60cm) in aquaria
Origin	S.E. Asia
Tank setup	A large tank with open swimming space and a gentle circulation. Subdued lighting. Preferably a sand substrate with smooth decor such as rounded stones and bogwood.
Compatibility	Highly predatory, can be aggressive.
Temperature	25-28^oC (77-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Not critical, but fairly soft with pH slightly acidic to neutral ideal.
Feeding	Live/frozen meaty foods, such as whitebait, cockle, prawns, earthworms - may also take pellet foods which can be used to vary diet.
Sexing	Unknown
Breeding	Not bred in aquaria. Spawning takes place on a hard surface and the male guards the eggs and fry.
Comments	One of the more striking knifefish, their bodies have a series of black spots, which vary in pattern between fish. They are very greedy feeders and hence require a good filtration system. They are best kept either singly, or in a group of at least 3 in a large tank, introduced to the tank as youngsters at the same time. Their mouths are deceptively large, so only keep with fish which are clearly too large to be swallowed. Suitable companions could include large catfish, Bichirs, Siamese Tigerfish.