−15%
Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons)
£20.39£23.99
A spectacular South Asian featherback for expert keepers with very large aquariums. Clown Knifefish need warm, stable water, cover, heavy filtration and tank mates too large to swallow.
CarnivoreFishFreshwaterModerate CareOddball FishPredatory FishTropical Fish
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Chitala chitala
Max Adult Size
up to 60 cm
Lifespan
15 years
Care Level
Difficult
Temperament
Aggressive
Temperature
24–28°C
pH Range
6–7.5
Hardness
4–15 dGH
Minimum Tank
1000L
Diet
Whole fish, prawns, earthworms, large pellets, meaty foods
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Water Parameters
Temperature
24–28°C
24°CIdeal28°C
pH Level
6–7.5
6Ideal7.5
Water Hardness
4–15 dGH
4 dGHIdeal15 dGH
Chitala chitala
Clown Knifefish (Notopterus chitala)
Advanced Care
Aggressive
£42.99Sold Out
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Live arrival guaranteed. If they don’t arrive healthy, email us a short unboxing video the same day for a replacement or refund. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.
£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.
Read our reviews on Google (opens Google Business Profile in a new tab) or see verified buyer reviews and photos. Human support, careful packing and clear delivery updates for live aquatics.
A spectacular South Asian featherback for expert keepers with very large aquariums. Clown Knifefish need warm, stable water, cover, heavy filtration and tank mates too large to swallow.
CarnivoreFishFreshwaterModerate CareOddball FishPredatory FishTropical Fish
Care at a Glance
Scientific Name
Chitala chitala
Max Adult Size
up to 60 cm
Lifespan
15 years
Care Level
Difficult
Temperament
Aggressive
Temperature
24–28°C
pH Range
6–7.5
Hardness
4–15 dGH
Minimum Tank
1000L
Diet
Whole fish, prawns, earthworms, large pellets, meaty foods
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
24–28°C
24°CIdeal28°C
pH Level
6–7.5
6Ideal7.5
Water Hardness
4–15 dGH
4 dGHIdeal15 dGH
Clown Knifefish (Notopterus chitala) is a spectacular South Asian featherback for expert aquarists with the space and filtration for a true giant. Modern references often list the same fish as Chitala chitala, so this page keeps the live supplier anchor while making the synonym clear for searchers comparing Indian Featherback and Clown Knifefish care.
Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Notopterus chitala (also listed as Chitala chitala) |
|---|---|
| Adult size | Very large; plan around 75cm+ potential |
| Minimum aquarium | 1000 litres or larger for long-term care |
| Water | 24-28°C, pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19 dGH |
| Diet | Carnivore: insects, prawns, molluscs and meaty predator foods |
| Temperament | Predatory; tank mates must be robust and too large to swallow |
Care and Setup
This is not a small community fish. Provide a long, mature aquarium with dim retreats, open swimming space, a tight cover and oversized filtration. Keep water quality steady and offer varied meaty foods; avoid feeder-fish routines and do not mix with small tetras, shrimp or peaceful nano fish.
Buying from Tropical Fish Co
Order with clear care guidance. Livestock is packed for a licensed live-animal courier and covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when the acclimation guidance is followed.
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Customer Reviews
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What customers say about ordering from us
4.6 on Google Maps, rated 4.6 out of 5 (opens in a new tab)4.4 · 91 shop reviews read them, rated 4.4 out of 5
- 4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
- 5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026
Reviews of our shop, collected by Judge.me, an independent third-party review collector. Newest first.