Knife Question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
The one that escaped in Laguna Lake during the Typhoon Ondoy are not Chitala chitala aka Indian Clown Knifefish. They are all Chitala ornata aka Clown knifefish that are commonly seen in many LFS as well as in markets as human food consumption. They look different as they reverted back to their wild form which becomes more paler with smaller spots compare to those that lives in captivity with darker color and larger spots. And yes Chitala ornata grows bigger more than 24" as I have 2 in my 315g tank. One is 25" and the other is 27". I've seen many that are at 26-28" range in other people large tank. Never seen that pass 30" in home aquarium though except in large outdoor ponds.
 
King-eL said:
The one that escaped in Laguna Lake during the Typhoon Ondoy are not Chitala chitala aka Indian Clown Knifefish. They are all Chitala ornata aka Clown knifefish that are commonly seen in many LFS as well as in markets as human food consumption. They look different as they reverted back to their wild form which becomes more paler with smaller spots compare to those that lives in captivity with darker color and larger spots. And yes Chitala ornata grows bigger more than 24" as I have 2 in my 315g tank. One is 25" and the other is 27". I've seen many that are at 26-28" range in other people large tank. Never seen that pass 30" in home aquarium though except in large outdoor ponds.
Click to expand...

I agree. They said they were being bred in taguig for local pet shops when they got washed up to the lake. Ill have to look up chitala Ornata. I guess mine is an ornata? They said the spots get smaller as they got bigger. However, whats the size of ornatas in the wild? The ones that were being removed from the lake were way more than 24" or 36" even. I cant find a clip of the show where they examined one being carried which was almost as big as the tiny reporter. It was more or less as long as her body excluding her head and neck. :/


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Chub_by said:
That's amazing! Btw, there are even bigger knives, though I think they are in the western range (Mekong, Chao Phraya): Chitala Lopis!

View attachment 1011747

Imagine having that bad boy in your tank..

Btw, Lolong died I heard :(
Click to expand...

Awesome specimen! The head reminds me of that of a perch/barramundi lol.

Ill read up on this specie as well:)


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
In conclusion, the Chitala Ornata who invaded our lake are growing to bigger sizes due to the vast amout of swimming space, the availability of food and no one except humans (but only recently) as their competitors.


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
bobVillanueva said:
I agree. They said they were being bred in taguig for local pet shops when they got washed up to the lake. Ill have to look up chitala Ornata. I guess mine is an ornata? They said the spots get smaller as they got bigger. However, whats the size of ornatas in the wild? The ones that were being removed from the lake were way more than 24" or 36" even. I cant find a clip of the show where they examined one being carried which was almost as big as the tiny reporter. It was more or less as long as her body excluding her head and neck. :/


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Click to expand...

Yes I'm pretty sure is C. Ornata as C. Chitala don't have spots but have faint shiny stripes on the back. Also Chitala chitala never been mass produce in the Philippines as even in pet trade they are still rare. All the C. Oranata once they are release in the wild, the offspring will grow up and reverd back to it's wild form. Wild chitala ornata have smaller spots and with paler skin. Only captive breeds have bigger spots and darker skin. That's why you probably thinking that what u have in ur aquarium is a different species from those that in Laguna Lake.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom