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Clown Knifefish

Chitala ornata

Also called Clown featherback, Spotted knifefish

SpeciesShort profile

From Southeast Asia: the Mekong basin in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, plus the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong basins.12

At a glance the quick version

Length100 cm123
Sizegiant
Eye-catching row of 'clown' spots
Glides smoothly forwards and backwards
Becomes a large, impressive show fish
23

Looks how to spot one

Laterally compressed featherback

A big, knife-shaped fish with a humped back, a small feather-like dorsal fin and a very long anal fin that runs into the tail. Rippling that fin lets it glide forwards or backwards.2

Colourssilver-greyrow of 6-10 black eyespots ringed in whitebrownish-yellow (juveniles)albino and leucistic aquarium forms23

Personality what they are like

Calm with fish too large to be eaten, but adults like their own territory and may argue with their own kind or similar-shaped fish.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Mostly active at dusk and at night, spending the day sheltering.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Water about 24-28 C (Seriously Fish gives 20-28 C), pH roughly 6.0-8.0 and hardness 2-15 dGH. Large weekly water changes and a strong, mature filter are recommended.13

Home where they are happiest

Grows to around a metre, so it suits only public aquariums or the very largest private tanks, with dim light and driftwood, rocks or pipes for cover.32

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A predator: bloodworms, earthworms, prawns, strips of fish and mussels.31

Company who they like around

Young fish gather in groups among plants; adults are usually solitary.2

The story where it all began

John Edward Gray described the species in 1831. Its common names come from its spotted pattern and knife-like body, and it is also an important food fish in Southeast Asia.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It can breathe air, which lets it live in still water low in oxygen.1

  2. 2

    Adults move into flooded forests during the high-water season, roughly June to October.1

  3. 3

    Males guard the eggs.1

  4. 4

    Young fish are brownish-yellow and only gain the adult spotted pattern at around 25-35 cm.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List (via FishBase)
Least Concern (assessed 2010).1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Clown Knifefish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Clown Knifefish?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day. As a predator, offer a variety of meaty foods and adjust portions based on the food label and your vet's advice.31 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Clown Knifefish eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats bloodworms, earthworms, prawns, strips of fish and mussels. What it should never eat varies by individual; ask your exotic-pet vet or a good breeder for safe choices.31

How much space does a Clown Knifefish need?

This fish grows to about a metre, so it suits only public aquariums or the very largest private tanks. Provide dim light and hiding spots like driftwood, rocks or pipes.32

What temperature, light or water does a Clown Knifefish need?

Keep water between 24-28°C (20-28°C per Seriously Fish), pH 6.0-8.0, and hardness 2-15 dGH. Use dim lighting and offer cover with driftwood or pipes.13

How often should I clean a Clown Knifefish's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a 30-50% water change every week, test water weekly, and rinse the filter every two weeks. A strong, mature filter is also recommended.13 Pet Wiki plan

Can a Clown Knifefish live with others?

Young fish can gather in groups among plants, but adults are usually solitary. They are calm with fish too large to eat, but may argue with their own kind or similar-shaped fish.23

How long does a Clown Knifefish live?

Lifespan varies and isn't specified in our sources; ask your exotic-pet vet or a good breeder for an estimate based on your setup.

Can I handle a Clown Knifefish?

Handling is not covered in our information; it's best to avoid handling fish. Ask your exotic-pet vet or a good breeder for advice on safe interactions.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FishBase: Chitala ornata fishbase.seused for size, weight, origin, water, IUCN, diet, history, fun facts
  2. Wikipedia: Clown featherback en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, appearance, colours, behaviour, fun facts
  3. Seriously Fish: Chitala ornata seriouslyfish.comused for tank, water parameters, diet, compatibility, colour forms

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.