Fish
Clown Knifefish
Chitala ornataAlso known as Clown Featherback, Spotted Knifefish
Gliding effortlessly backward or forward using an undulating anal fin, this nocturnal predator prowls lowland rivers and lakes after dusk. Adults are recognized by a row of dark, ringed ocelli along the lower flank that help confuse prey and deter pursuers. Males guard adhesive egg clutches laid on submerged timber, aggressively fanning water over the nest until the fry hatch.
NocturnalFreshwaterPredatory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFreshwater prawns, Small barbs and rasboras, Aquatic insect larvae
Predators
- Smooth-coated Otter
- Siamese Crocodile
- Large predatory catfishes
ThreatsOverfishing, dam construction, wetland alteration, and river pollution
HabitatsSluggish lowland rivers, lakes, swamps, canals, and flooded forests
Life span10–15 years
Classification
- OrderOsteoglossiformes
- FamilyNotopteridae
- GenusChitala
- SpeciesChitala ornata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Night Spotting: Look for reflective eyeshine around weedy shallows using a dim red headlamp after sunset.
- Aquarium Caution: Avoid purchasing unless prepared for an adult fish requiring hundreds of gallons of water.
- Invasive Reporting: Note and report sightings outside native Southeast Asian ranges to local fish and wildlife agencies.
Competitor (c) BEDO (Thailand), some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Hamid Badar Osmany / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Same Family Xufanc / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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