Above: In the picture a nice Royal Clown Knifefish was swimming in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture.

Comments: if you're interesting in keeping a Knifefish, this is the best one to start with, because it doesn't get too big and is very hardy.

Origin: these Knifefish are wild fish found in South East Asia. But collectors catch them, and now they're living in aquariums all over the world.

Maximum Size: In aquariums this Knifefish can grow to be about 2' long, and sometimes larger if if kept in excellent water and fed plenty of premium food pellets for several years.

Behaviors: Knifefish can be semi-aggresive, so be careful when finding tankmates for these fish.

Compatibility: Some recommended tankmates include, community fish that aren't small enough to fit in it's mouth like Congo Tetras, Baby Whales, African Leaf Fish, and Ctenopomas, but not very aggressive Cichlids. Click here to read more about compatible groups of pet fish.

Temperature: lives best from about 75 to 80-degrees F. with 78 being perhaps ideal. Click here to learn about aquarium temperature, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium heaters.

Feeding: Premium Fish Food Pellets is best.. Smaller sized pellets when young, and larger sized pellets when bigger, is the ideal food for these fish. Click here to learn more about and shop online for premium fish foods.

Water Conditions: They naturally live in a wide range of habitats with different types of water, so these Knifefish can adapt to most types of water, and as usual it's best not to change the pH or alkalinity of your local water. Click here for a lot more information about aquarium water conditions.

Aquarium Size: this Knifefish will do fine in an aquarium with at least 50-gallons of water when small, but will eventually need to live in an aquarium with at least 80-gallons of water.

Decor: Knifefish do not need gravel, and a layer of gravel more than 1/4" thick will usually fill with bits of uneaten food that will contaminate the water. Click here for more about aquarium gravel.

Live plants are beautiful and improve the water quality, these Knifefish are often found in natural environments with lots of aquatic plants and seem to enjoy live plants.

Aquarium Filter: Bio-Wheel Filters are highly recommended. Most 80-gallon aquariums have room along the back for two Penguin 350B Filters, and this is sort of a minimal set up for this fish. Better is a 100, 120, or 150-gallon aquarium with as many Penguin 350B Filters as will fit across the back. Click here to learn more about aquarium filters.

The addition of Lava Rocks will keep nitrates in the ideal range. Click here to learn more about using Lava Rocks in aquariums.

Life Span: Knifefish can live for several years. Keep the water conditions excellent and feed them premium foods, and they may live even longer lives.

Gender: It's difficult to tell males from females. As they mature the females often fill with eggs and look plumper. 

Breeding: This fish has apparently been spawned a few times in aquariums. Click here for a lot more about breeding various tropical fish in aquariums.

Popularity: These fish are somewhat popular in the hobby.

Names: Their scientific name is Chitala blanci.

Variations: We know of no variations in this fish.

Click here for more information about keeping and caring for Knifefish.

We hope you've enjoyed reading these comments.