Royal featherback

Chitala blanci

Small dark dots on the front flank merge into irregular oblique stripes toward the tail, continuing onto the rear fins.

Adult length: Up to 120 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–28 °C
pH: 6–8
Hardness: 2–15 dGH

The source maximum is 120 cm SL, not typical adult TL. Only specialist large facilities should be considered; no home-tank minimum is established.

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Appearance and identification

Small dark dots on the front flank merge into irregular oblique stripes toward the tail, continuing onto the rear fins. Compared with clown featherback, fine dots and rear stripes replace large pale-ringed ocelli. Juvenile appearance, trade names and reported hybrids complicate identification.

Same-species behaviour

Mostly nocturnal and shelter-seeking; conspecifics and similarly shaped fishes may face territorial conflict.

Space requirements

The source maximum is 120 cm SL, not typical adult TL. Only specialist large facilities should be considered; no home-tank minimum is established. Complete minimum footprint unknown.

Diet and feeding

Predates small fish and crustaceans; suitable fish, shrimp and worms can be accepted without live feeder fish.

Compatibility limits

Unsuitable for a small planted aquarium. Small fish and shrimp risk predation; its large body needs ample clear space and shelter.

Sources