Clown Featherback Knifefish - Chitala ornata : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

Introduction

The Clown Featherback Knifefish (Chitala ornata) is a captivating species primarily native to the freshwater habitats of Southeast Asia. The Clown Featherback's unique body morphology facilitates graceful undulating movements, making it a favoured spectacle in both home aquaria and public aquarium exhibits. However, aspiring keepers should exercise caution, given its potential to reach substantial sizes and the species' specific care requirements. The name "knifefish" is derived from its blade-like appearance, which, combined with its exquisite markings, ensures that the Clown Featherback remains an enduring favourite among aquarists.

Given their size and territorial nature, Clown Featherback Knifefish are best kept singly in home aquariums. Keeping multiple Clown Knifefish together is usually not recommended unless you have a significantly large and well-structured aquarium that can provide ample space for each individual to establish its own territory. This is essential to minimize aggression and ensure the well-being of each fish. If you do choose to keep more than one, they should be monitored closely for any signs of aggression or stress. While typically placid toward larger fish that aren't viewed as prey, can exhibit territorial tendencies with those of similar shape or their own kind, especially in limited spaces. In their juvenile stage, these fish often congregate near aquatic vegetation and fallen logs for protection. However, as they mature, they develop more solitary habits, marking territories distinctly their own.

Often marketed as a novelty in aquatic pet stores, the Clown Featherback quickly outgrows the capacity of standard home tanks. They favour environments adorned with foliage, caves, or other retreats to provide sanctuary during their rest periods. Being adept jumpers, a secure and tightly fitted lid for their enclosure is imperative. Dimly lit tanks may mitigate their inclination to leap. Initially, these fish might display timidity, seeking shelter frequently, but as they grow, their confidence and dominance become more pronounced.

Distinguished by its elongated, laterally compressed silhouette and elongated anal fin, the Clown Featherback Knifefish boasts a primarily silvery-grey hue. As they mature, these fish typically feature a row of 5 to 10 pronounced black spots encircled in white above the anal fin's base, which diminish in size with age. The aquarium trade occasionally offers albinistic and leucistic variants. While juveniles might not sport these distinctive spots, they often showcase stripe patterns. The fish's elongated anal fins enable it to glide both forward and backwards with elegance and poise.