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Clown Featherback
Chitala ornata
Also known as Clown Knifefish, Spotted Knifefish, Ornate Featherback
Animalia›Chordata›Osteoglossiformes›Notopteridae
The Clown Featherback is a large, distinctive freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, known for its elongated body and impressive feather-like dorsal fin. This nocturnal predator requires substantial space and specialized care, making it suitable for experienced aquarists. It is a fascinating but demanding species that can live for many years in properly maintained conditions.
Where it's from
Native to the Chao Phraya, Mekong and Tapi river basins
Thailand and Laos
Recorded as introduced in United States (Caloosahatchee basin), Philippines, Singapore and Sri Lanka
At a glance
- Size
- 39 in
- 99 cm
- Min tank
- 200 gal
- 757 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–179 ppm
- 4–10 dGH
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Swims
- All levels
- Lifespan
- 15-20 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Clown Featherbacks are obligate carnivores requiring a diet of live or frozen fish, large shrimp, and other meaty foods. Feed juveniles 2-3 times weekly and adults 2-3 times per week, adjusting portions based on size. Avoid feeding goldfish due to thiaminase content; instead offer feeder fish like silversides, mackerel, or specialized carnivore pellets.
Behavior
Nocturnal and highly predatory, the Clown Featherback is an ambush predator that remains relatively inactive during the day and hunts actively at night. This species is solitary and extremely aggressive toward tankmates, particularly other fish of similar size. It uses its sensitive lateral line system to detect vibrations and movements in the water.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. Sexual maturity occurs around 4-5 years of age, and spawning requires very large tanks with specific environmental triggers. Eggs are adhesive and parents may show some guarding behavior, but raising fry is exceptionally difficult due to their large size at birth.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar size and predatory nature; may compete or fight; requires careful monitoring
Large predator; potential for aggression; only in very large tanks with ample space
Comparable size and predatory behavior; risk of conflict in smaller enclosures
Large aggressive predator; may prey on featherback or vice versa; requires massive tank
Large omnivore; may compete for food; needs very spacious tank to minimize aggression
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Common diseases 4Ichthyophthirius (Ich), Bacterial Infections, Parasitic Infections (Flukes and Tapeworms), Swim Bladder Disorder
Ichthyophthirius (Ich)
White spots on body and fins, excessive scratching against tank surfaces, labored breathing, lethargy
Raise water temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt at 1 teaspoon per gallon, or treat with copper-based medication following label instructions; maintain excellent water quality
Bacterial Infections
Fin rot, body lesions, open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading
Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality and filtration, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain optimal water parameters, isolate if possible to prevent spread
Parasitic Infections (Flukes and Tapeworms)
Excessive mucus production, flashing behavior, weight loss despite feeding, visible worms in feces, lethargy
Treat with antiparasitic medication such as praziquantel or levamisole following dosage instructions, perform frequent water changes, improve tank sanitation, quarantine infected fish if in community setup
Swim Bladder Disorder
Difficulty maintaining buoyancy, floating at surface or sinking to bottom, loss of balance, inability to swim normally
Reduce feeding temporarily, offer easily digestible foods, maintain stable water temperature and quality, perform partial water changes, may resolve with improved conditions; severe cases may be permanent
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 39 in99 cm
- Min tank
- 200 gal757 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–179 ppm4–10 dGH
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Swims
- All levels
- Lifespan
- 15-20 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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