Royal Clown Knifefish - (Chitala blanci)

🐟 Royal Clown Knifefish – (Chitala blanci) – Rare Freshwater Knifefish for Sale

The Royal Clown Knifefish (Chitala blanci) is a rare and highly prized knifefish species found in the Mekong River Basin of Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Distinguished from the more common Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata) by its larger size, unique spot patterns, and more elongated body shape, this species is considered one of the ultimate display fish for large freshwater aquariums.

Due to its potential size and predatory nature, it is best suited for experienced keepers with extremely large aquariums or indoor ponds.

🔎 Quick Facts – Royal Clown Knifefish (Chitala blanci)

• 📛 Common Name: Royal Clown Knifefish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Chitala blanci
• 🌍 Origin: Mekong River Basin – Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam
• 🎨 Appearance: Long, laterally compressed body with metallic silver coloration and a row of distinct black oval spots outlined in white; more elongated than Chitala ornata
• 📏 Max Size: 4–5 feet (120–150 cm)
• 💎 Rarity: Extremely rare in the aquarium trade; often wild-caught

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚠️ Predatory; will eat any fish that fits in its mouth
• 🐟 Generally solitary; can be territorial towards other knifefish
• 🧠 Intelligent and can recognize their keeper
• 🌙 Primarily nocturnal but will adapt to daytime activity over time

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 300+ gallons for juveniles; 1,000+ gallons for adults
• 🪵 Provide large driftwood pieces, caves, and low-light areas for shelter
• 🌊 Gentle current with excellent filtration
• 💡 Low to moderate lighting to mimic natural habitat
• ⚠️ Secure lid required—strong jumpers

💧 Water Parameters – Royal Clown Knifefish Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous

• 🦐 Frozen shrimp, prawns, and fish fillet
• 🪱 Earthworms and insect larvae
• 🐟 Live fish (only if quarantined and parasite-free; frozen or prepared foods preferred)
• 🌾 Large sinking carnivore pellets for supplementation
• 🐟 Give your fish the best with the same high-quality nutrition we use every day! 🐟 At Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids, we feed a balanced mix of protein-rich and vegetable-based fish foods to keep our plecos, cichlids, and other tropical fish healthy, active, and thriving. These premium fish foods are specially formulated to enhance natural color, promote strong growth, and support long-term health—making them a trusted choice for aquarium hobbyists worldwide.
  • Fluval Bug Bites Pleco Formula
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  • Hikari Massivore Delight
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📋 Royal Clown Knifefish Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Royal Clown Knifefish is among the largest and most majestic knifefish species in the world, commanding attention in massive display tanks and indoor ponds—a true showpiece for serious aquarists.