Chitala chitala Care Guide
Chitala chitala is a large South Asian featherback knifefish with a humped silvery body and no eyespots, kept only in very large tanks.
Overview
Chitala chitala, the Indian featherback, was described by Hamilton in 1822. It is a knifefish of the family Notopteridae native to the major river basins of South Asia. It is distinguished from the closely related clown featherback (C. ornata), which has ringed spots and lacks dorsal bars, by its golden or silvery dorsal bars and small dark spots near the tail. The true species is rare in the aquarium trade and is often confused with C. ornata.
Taxonomy
- Family: Notopteridae
- Genus: Chitala
- Scientific name: Chitala chitala
- Described by: Hamilton, 1822
- Common name: Indian Featherback
Habitat
According to Wikipedia, the species is found in the Brahmaputra, Indus, Ganges and Mahanadi River basins across Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan. The elongated silvery body carries a pronounced hump behind the head.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 1500 L
- Maximum size: up to 122 cm, though specimens typically reach about 75 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Provide a secured cover and ample swimming space
Diet
Chitala chitala is a carnivore. Featherbacks are nocturnal predators that take meaty foods such as fish and invertebrates in the aquarium.
Compatibility
The species is semi-aggressive and swims in the middle of the water column. It grows large and is best kept with large catfish; small fish are at risk of being eaten.
Breeding
Breeding is rated advanced and is rarely accomplished in home aquaria.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened.