Royal Clown Knifefish

Knifefish are some of the most interesting freshwater aquarium fish available. Their unique "knife blade" body shape and ability to swim backwards using their undulating bottom fin make them fascinating additions to appropriate aquarium communities.

An uncommon and distinctive species of knifefish (Chitala blanci) from Southeast Asia, the Royal Clown Knife is found in fast-moving waters of the middle Mekong. A predatory species with a surprisingly large mouth, they can easily eat fish up to 1/3rd their size in many cases. Despite their predatory nature, they are peaceful towards nearly all tankmates too big to be eaten. Instead of the row of spots on the body. They black diagonal patterns.

Knifefish are scaleless and extremely sensitive to poor water conditions. Water quality should be pristine, with undetectable ammonia and nitrites, and nitrates below 20 ppm. pH should be between 7.0 and 8.0, with alkalinity between 5° and 10° (90 ppm to 180 ppm). Temperature should be maintained between 75° and 80° F. If the aquarium is kept in rooms below 75°, use an Aqueon Aquarium Heater to maintain the correct temperature. Knifefish are sensitive to many medications, so the use of a UV sterilizer is recommended to prevent disease rather than having to resort to chemicals after a disease outbreak. Maintain good filtration and change 10% of the water every week or 25% every 2 weeks using an Aqueon Aquarium Water Changer or Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner. Do not forget to treat tap water with Aqueon Water Conditioner before refilling your aquarium!