Clown Knifefish

Chitala ornata

Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 125 US gal min; aim for 68–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5. Clown Knifefish are captivating due to their unique shape and nocturnal habits, making them suitable for dedicated aquarists with ample tank space.

Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size125 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature68–82°F
Max size31.5 in (80.0 cm)
Captive lifespan10–18 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Asia

  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Clown Knifefish Tank Setup

Create a spacious layout that balances open swimming areas with plenty of hiding spots using driftwood and caves. Ensure the substrate is soft to prevent injury during foraging. Moderate water flow mimics their natural habitat, while subdued lighting can encourage natural behaviours, reducing stress in this primarily nocturnal species.

What Do Clown Knifefishs Eat?

Feeding should cater to their omnivorous nature, incorporating varied foods like pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live offerings. They tend to eat at a moderate pace but can be competitive during feeding, so it's crucial to provide enough food to minimize stress.

Clown Knifefish Tank Mates

Ideal tank mates include larger, non-aggressive species that occupy different swim zones, like larger catfish or certain cichlids. Avoid smaller fish that may be mistaken for prey or overly aggressive species that could provoke stress. Clown Knifefish do not shoal, hence only one should be kept per tank to avoid territorial disputes.

Are Clown Knifefishs Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate their space requirements, leading to stunted growth or aggressive behaviour due to overcrowding. Failing to provide sufficient filtration can also result in poor water quality, further complicating their care.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.