Bronze Featherback

The bronze featherback is the plainly colored Asian relative of the clown knifefish. Its silvery-bronze body has no row of spots; the small, feather-like fin on its back gives it the English name "featherback". It can gulp air with its swim bladder. It usually reaches 35–40 cm in the aquarium and 60 cm in the wild, and it is a common food fish in the region.

• At least 400 liters and 150 cm in length for an adult.
• Hiding places with roots, pipes and plants; dim light.
• A powerful filter and 30% water changes every week.
• A sturdy lid; it moves suddenly when startled.

Carnivorous. Shrimp, fish fillet, worms and sinking pellets; feed in the evening. Live feeder fish carry a risk of disease.

Shy during the day, active at night. It eats fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth; as it grows it becomes territorial toward its own kind.

Good companions: large, calm species too big to fit in its mouth: large barbs, gouramis, bichirs, large plecos, calm large cichlids.

Avoid: small and medium-sized fish, shrimp, other knifefish.