The clown featherback, scientifically known as Chitala ornata, is a captivating and distinctive fish species that has gained popularity in the aquarium trade. Also referred to as the clown knifefish or spotted knifefish, this nocturnal creature boasts a unique appearance and intriguing behaviors. While admired for its beauty, potential owners must understand its specific dietary needs, care requirements, and potential impact on the environment.
Characteristics and Origin
The clown featherback is easily recognizable by its elongated, knife-like body, which is laterally compressed. Its coloration is typically silvery-gray, adorned with a series of distinctive black spots ringed with white. Mature fish usually have five to ten (or even more) of these spots, which tend to decrease in size as the fish grows. These spots are a key feature that helps distinguish it from other similar species. Juveniles, however, have dark vertical bands instead of spots. The long anal fin is used to make graceful forward and backward movements.
Native to the freshwater habitats of Southeast Asia, specifically Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, the clown knifefish is found in the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Meklong River basins. Unfortunately, its popularity in the aquarium trade has led to its introduction to regions outside its native range, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and even Palm Beach County, Florida, United States, where it has become an invasive species.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
In their natural environment, clown knifefish inhabit lakes, swamps, and river backwaters. Young fish often congregate in schools near water logs and plants for security, while mature individuals tend to become territorial and solitary. These fish are nocturnal, typically cruising during twilight hours. They have the remarkable ability to breathe air, allowing them to survive in stagnant, oxygen-deprived waters. They prefer water with a neutral pH and temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 °F (24 to 29 °C).
Feeding Habits in the Wild
Clown knifefish are carnivorous predators with a voracious appetite. In their natural habitat, they primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, insects, and other invertebrates. They are active hunters, using their keen senses to locate prey and their powerful jaws to capture it. Their diet consists mainly of live prey, consuming any fish that fits into their mouths.
Read also: Feeding Clown Loaches
Dietary Needs in Captivity
In captivity, replicating the clown knifefish's natural diet is crucial for their health and well-being. These fish are hearty eaters and will readily accept live foods such as feeder fish, ghost shrimp, and blackworms. While live food is often preferred, they can be gradually adapted to accept other options like beef heart and commercial food pellets.
It is essential to avoid feeding them feeder goldfish or livebearers, as these may carry diseases and lack nutritional value. A varied diet is ideal, incorporating Aqueon Tropical Granules, Betta Treat, Shrimp Pellets, and Cichlid Pellets for smaller to medium-sized knifefish. Larger specimens can be fed Monster Fish Medley. Small amounts of food should be offered after the aquarium lights are turned off to accommodate their nocturnal feeding habits. Any uneaten food should be removed in the morning to prevent water quality issues. Ideally, they should be fed what they can consume in 2 to 3 minutes, once or twice a day. It is important not to let the fish get locked onto one food type, but to vary the diet as much as possible.
Aquarium Requirements
Due to their potential size, clown knifefish are not suitable for the average home aquarium. They grow rapidly and can reach lengths of up to 3 feet in the wild. Therefore, a very large tank is essential to accommodate their needs. A single specimen tank is ideal, and juveniles should only be kept with conspecifics if the tank is large enough to prevent aggression.
The aquarium should be furnished with caves, plants, or other hiding places to provide the fish with a sense of security. These fish have periods of retreat, so ample cover is essential. A tightly closed lid is also necessary, as they are known to be jumpers. Dim lighting can help reduce jumping behavior.
Maintaining pristine water quality is crucial for the health of clown knifefish. The water should have undetectable levels of ammonia and nitrites, and nitrates should be below 20 ppm. The pH should be maintained between 7.0 and 8.0, with alkalinity between 5° and 10° (90 ppm to 180 ppm). The temperature should be kept between 75° and 80° F (24 to 27°C). Regular water changes of 10% weekly or 25% bi-weekly are essential, using a water conditioner to treat tap water before refilling the aquarium.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Compatibility with Other Fish
Clown knifefish are generally peaceful with other fish that are too large to be eaten. However, they are territorial and can be aggressive toward each other or closely related species. They are best kept singly in an aquarium with other peaceful, larger fish such as silver dollars, tinfoil barbs, angelfish, large cichlids, larger Gouramis, and Synodontis catfish.
Conservation Status and Invasive Potential
The clown featherback is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, its introduction to non-native regions poses a significant threat to local ecosystems. In Florida, for example, the clown knifefish has become an invasive species, preying on native fish and disrupting the ecological balance.
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
tags: #clown #featherback #fish #diet