Clown Knife 4"

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Chitala ornata
• Common Name: Clown Knife Fish
• Adult Size: Up to 3.5 feet (100–110 cm) in the wild; commonly reaches 2–2.5 feet (60–75 cm) in captivity
• Life Expectancy: 10–15 years with proper care
• Habitat: Native to freshwater rivers, lakes, and swamps in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos). Prefers slow-moving, warm waters with dense vegetation and submerged structures

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 200+ gallons (757+ liters) for adults
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH)
• Temperament: Generally peaceful but predatory—may eat smaller tankmates. Territorial with its own kind and similarly shaped fish

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes (mostly carnivorous)
• Diet: Prefers live or frozen food such as fish, shrimp, worms, and insects. Can adapt to high-protein pellets and prepared foods with training

Appearance

• Coloration: Silvery-gray body with a series of distinctive black "eye spots" (ocelli) along the rear half of its body
• Body Shape: Laterally compressed, knife-like body with a long, continuous anal fin that gives it a graceful, undulating swimming motion
• Eyes: Large, positioned for nocturnal and low-light hunting

Distinctive Features

• Signature knife-shaped body with long, ribbon-like anal fin
• Unique ocelli (eye spots) along the posterior are used for predator confusion
• Backwards swimming ability, often seen maneuvering in tight spaces
• Nocturnal behavior—more active at night or in low-light conditions