Description
Clown Knife Fish – Graceful Predator with Hypnotic Motion
(Chitala ornata)
The Clown Knife Fish (Chitala ornata) is an exotic and captivating predator native to Southeast Asia’s slow-moving rivers and lakes. With its long, knife-shaped body, undulating swimming motion, and signature row of "eye spots" along its silver flanks, this nocturnal hunter is both elegant and imposing. A favorite among experienced aquarists, the Clown Knife makes a stunning centerpiece for large show tanks.
Key Features:
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Iconic Appearance: Metallic silver body with black ocelli (“eye spots”) near the tail
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Undulating Movement: Moves using a continuous wave motion of its long anal fin—hypnotic and fluid
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Large Size: Can grow up to 90 cm (36 inches) in captivity
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Intelligent Behavior: Recognizes its keeper and may hand-feed over time
Tank Requirements:
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Minimum tank size: 500 liters (125+ gallons) for juveniles; much larger for adults
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Temperature: 24°C–30°C (75°F–86°F)
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Prefers dim lighting and soft substrate with driftwood or PVC pipes for shelter
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Needs a long, wide tank for free swimming space
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Use a secure lid—juveniles are known to jump
Compatibility:
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Semi-aggressive and predatory—will eat smaller fish
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Can be kept with large, peaceful tankmates (e.g., large catfish, bichirs, arowanas)
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Best housed solo or with similarly sized fish to avoid territorial issues
Feeding Tips:
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Carnivorous—enjoys live or frozen foods like shrimp, fish, and worms
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Can be trained to eat pellets and prepared meaty foods
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Feed 3–5 times a week, adjusting based on age and size
Why Choose the Clown Knife Fish?
The Clown Knife Fish is a mesmerizing addition for advanced aquarists seeking a show-stopping, intelligent predator. Its unique swimming style, bold presence, and ability to grow large make it a centerpiece like no other in the freshwater world.
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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