Description
Clown Knife Fish – Impressive, Predatory Oddball with Distinctive Patterning
(Chitala ornata)
The Clown Knife Fish is a striking and exotic freshwater predator, instantly recognizable by its elongated, blade-shaped body and the distinctive row of eye-like spots ("ocelli") along its silver flanks. Native to Southeast Asia, this nocturnal species is a true showpiece for large aquariums and public displays. It exhibits a graceful, undulating swimming style and can grow to impressive lengths, making it best suited for experienced aquarists with the space and filtration to match.
Key Features:
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Sleek silver body with bold black spots along the lower rear half
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Knife-like body shape and smooth, wave-like swimming motion
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Nocturnal and shy; benefits from low lighting and hiding spots
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Intelligent and responsive to keepers
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A true centrepiece fish for large aquariums
Care Information:
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Scientific Name: Chitala ornata
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Adult Size: Up to 90 cm (36 inches) in captivity (often 50–60 cm in aquaria)
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Temperature: 24–28°C
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pH Range: 6.5–7.5
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Tank Size: Minimum 500 litres for juveniles; significantly larger as adults
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Diet: Carnivorous – feeds on live or frozen foods such as prawns, fish, worms, and meaty pellets
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Compatibility: Best kept alone or with large, peaceful tankmates; may eat smaller fish
Why Choose the Clown Knife Fish?
The Clown Knife Fish is a dramatic and majestic addition for serious fishkeepers. Its size, beauty, and prehistoric swimming style make it a standout species in large, well-managed aquariums. Ideal for those looking to keep a fascinating predator with personality and presence.
Click & Collect
Livestock will only be bagged once you arrive, or if you contact us in advance to request it ready beforehand.
Local Delivery
Order anything from our in-store range and have it delivered right to you.
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Minimum spend: £50
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Delivery up to 10 miles: £10
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Delivery up to 25 miles: £20
Distances are measured “as the crow flies”, not by road.
Once your order is placed, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
Please note, delivery may take a little longer as we often group orders together to build an efficient delivery run.
Important: If you’re ordering a large aquarium, please ensure someone is available to help unload the van on arrival.
Dry Goods Delivery
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DPD Next Day: 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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DX Next Day (Heavy Items & Small Aquariums): 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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Express Pallet: 1–3 working days
If you'd like to add more items to an existing order that hasn't yet been dispatched, please place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to combine the orders.
Please note: We currently only dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Pre-Order
Want the full details? Check out our Terms & Conditions.
Livestock Delivery
Thursday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Wednesday afternoon
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Delivered Thursday before 1pm
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Order by Wednesday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Friday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Thursday afternoon
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Delivered Friday before 1pm
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Order by Thursday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Saturday Delivery – £29
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Dispatched Friday afternoon
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Delivered Saturday before 1pm
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Order by Friday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
📦 Want to Add to an Existing Order?
No problem! Just place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to link it with your original one (as long as it hasn’t been dispatched yet).
🛒 Dry Goods Now Included!
You can now include dry goods in your livestock delivery – perfect for topping up supplies in one go.
❄️ Please note: We can’t send frozen food with livestock – please order frozen items separately.
⚠️ Delivery Exclusions
Unfortunately, we’re unable to deliver livestock to the following postcodes:
Scotland & Isles:
AB30–AB56, DD8–DD10, DG3–DG9, DG12–DG14, FK17–FK21, KA18–KA19, KA26–KA30, PA20–PA38, PA80, PH3–PH40
Cornwall Isles: TR21–TR25
All of the following postcodes are excluded:
BT, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW
Plus Channel Islands and Shetland Islands
Payment & Security
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