Chitala blanci is a large freshwater fish of the family Notopteridae native to the Mekong River system of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, where it is associated particularly with deep pools, rapids, and rocky habitats in the main river channel. Its long, laterally compressed body is marked by numerous dark spots that develop into irregular oblique bands toward the rear, giving Chitala blanci a distinctive appearance among Asian featherbacks. The species is most active during twilight and at night and feeds primarily on fishes, crustaceans, and insects, using the long undulating anal fin characteristic of featherbacks to maneuver efficiently through the water. Chitala blanci can exceed one meter in length, so aquarium keeping requires an exceptionally large enclosure with substantial swimming space, powerful filtration, secure covering, and appropriately sized animal-based foods, making its considerable adult size an essential consideration before the species is acquired. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
