The Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata) boasts one of freshwater’s most unique appearances. This silvery fish, native to tropical Asia, is easily recognized by its elongated, laterally compressed body and a distinctive row of 5-10 black spots (sometimes more) along its lower flank. Its undulating long anal fin, which merges with the tail, and tiny dorsal fin give it a ribbon-like look and allow for mesmerizing forward and backward movements.
While a popular species for large aquariums due to its striking appearance, Clown Knifefish have become an established invasive species in Florida’s waterways, particularly in canals and lakes (like the Lake Ida chain of lakes and Lake Osborne) in Palm Beach County, Broward County, and even Miami-Dade counties. These exotic fish were likely introduced via probable aquarium releases by aquarists in the 1990s. Recreational anglers often encounter them as a by-catch when targeting Peacock Bass, but they can offer an exciting catch in their own right.
This guide provides the essential gear and tactics for your next
Recommended
- Rod: Medium-action spinning rod (6’6″ – 7’3″)
- Reel: 2500-4000 size spinning reel
- Line: 10-20 lb braided line
- Leader: 15-20 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament
- Lures: Small suspending jerkbaits, lipless crankbaits, shrimp-patterned soft plastics, or small spinnerbaits.
- Live Bait: Live shiners, small shad, freshwater prawns (grass shrimp), or even worms. Dead bait like cut pieces of fish can also work. Use a #1 to 2/0 circle hook for live bait
fishing .
Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata) Overview
The Clown Knifefish, also known by the common names Clown Featherback or Spotted Knifefish, belongs to the freshwater fish family Notopteridae. Its native range includes the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins of Indochina (specifically Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam). These featherbacks are primarily nocturnal predators.
Their habitats in tropical Asia include slow-moving river backwaters, swamps, and lakes, often with dense aquatic plants and submerged vegetation or woody substrate like a piece of wood for cover. They are well-adapted to survive in stagnant waters with little oxygen by gulping air from the surface. In captivity (aquariums), they require warm water (typically 75-82°F or 24-28°C).
Juveniles often exhibit gold transverse streaks or dark vertical bands that fade as they mature into the spotted pattern. While they can reach a max length of over 1 meter (around 3.3 feet) and several kgs in the wild, aquarium specimens are usually smaller.
Clown Knifefish Facts
- Scientific Name: Chitala ornata
- Common Name(s): Clown Knifefish, Clown Featherback, Spotted Knifefish
- Family: Notopteridae
- Identifying Characteristics: Elongated, silver, knife-shaped body with a humped dorsum. Single row of 5-10 black spots along the lower flank (number can vary). Long anal fin continuous with tail; tiny dorsal fin.
- Habitat (Native): Freshwater river backwaters, lakes, swamps in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam. Prefers areas with vegetation, submerged roots, or other cover.
- Habitat (Florida): Established in freshwater canals, lakes (e.g., Lake Ida chain of lakes, Lake Osborne) in South Florida (Palm Beach County, Broward County).
- Florida Regulations (Invasive Species): No bag or size limit, but MUST BE KILLED if caught. Cannot be released live back into Florida’s waterways. Check current Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations. This is to protect native fish populations and the ecosystem.
- Largest Recorded (Florida): Specimens over 14 lbs (approx. 6.3 kgs).
Where to Catch Clown Knifefish in Florida
In Florida’s waterways, Clown Knifefish are most concentrated in the freshwater canals and interconnected lakes of Palm Beach County (e.g., Delray Beach, Boynton Beach), Broward County, and increasingly reported in Miami-Dade counties. The best spots are often:
- Near docks, bridges, culverts, and other man-made structures.
- Along vegetated shorelines with overhanging branches or dense aquatic plants.
- Deeper holes or channels within canal systems, especially during cooler weather.
- They are known to inhabit the Lake Ida chain of lakes and Lake Osborne.
How to Catch Clown Knifefish: Baits, Lures & Rigging
Clown Knifefish are opportunistic predators, feeding primarily on small fish, insects, and crustaceans like grass shrimp or prawns. While they are primarily nocturnal, they can be caught during the day, especially at dawn and dusk, or in shaded areas.
Live Bait Fishing (Most Effective)
- Baits: Live shiners are a top choice. Small shad, live prawns, or even earthworms can be effective. Dead bait (cut fish) can also work.
- Rigging: A free-lined live bait or one fished under a slip float allows for natural presentation. For bottom
fishing , a simple Carolina rig or a light sinker above a circle hook (#1 to 2/0) works well. They have somewhat bony mouths, so a sharp hook is key.
Artificial Lures
- Small suspending jerkbaits, retrieved with twitches and pauses.
- Lipless crankbaits or small diving crankbaits that mimic small fish.
- Soft plastic shrimp or baitfish imitations on a light jighead.
- Small, flashy spinnerbaits or inline spinners.
Tactics for a Successful Catch
Clown Knifefish are known to be cautious. They may mouth a bait before committing. Let them take it for a moment before setting the hook, especially with live prey. A slow, deliberate retrieve often works best for artificial lures. The chances of a successful catch increase when
Clown Knifefish Habits & Behavior
- Nocturnal Tendencies: Most active from dusk through dawn, but will feed opportunistically during the day.
- Predatory Nature: They are ambush predators, lying in wait near vegetation or structure to attack passing live prey (small fish, insects, shrimp).
- Air Breathing: Their ability to gulp air allows them to thrive in stagnant waters with little oxygen, common in some Florida canals.
- Reproduction: In their native range, females lay adhesive eggs on submerged surfaces like logs or aquatic plants. Spawning often occurs during rainy seasons. Their reproduction in Florida’s waterways contributes to their status as an invasive species.
- Aggression: While not overly aggressive towards anglers, they can be territorial in aquariums. In the wild, their primary concern is feeding.
Best Seasons & Times for Clown Knifefish
In South Florida, Clown Knifefish can be caught year-round.
- Prime Times: Dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours are generally most productive. Overcast days can also see increased activity.
- Seasonal Peaks: Warmer months often see more aggressive feeding. Activity can also increase after periods of rain, which may wash more baits like insects into the waterways.
Preparing and Cooking Clown Knifefish (Tod Mun Pla Krai)
Clown fish are commonly found on menus in Thailand and other southeast Asian countries. Generally, you can find this fish deep-fried in a dish called Pla krai thot krathiam, which is served with a delicious spicy sauce. Also, since the clown knifefish has mushy flesh and lots of bones, it actually makes a great fish ball-type dish.
Here’s an easy starter clown knifefish recipe for you to try.
- Lay the clown knifefish on a clean cutting board and use a scaler or sharp knife to scrape off the scales on both sides.
- Use a large and sharp fillet knife to cut off the single feather-like fin that starts from the bottom of the fish and goes all the way down to the tail.
- Flip the fish over and remove the meat that starts from the hump and goes down to the tail.
- Cut the head off from behind the gills and pectoral fins.
- Cut the rest of the meat into chunks or fillets.
- Either mush the meat up and mix it with other ingredients to make fish balls or deep-fry the fillets and serve with your favorite sauce.
How to Cook
There are a few videos on YouTube where fishermen are doing Catch and Cook style videos and trying this fish by pan-frying it. The meat of this fish doesn’t bode well for that style of cooking, and it should be done using the traditional Thai method shown in the video above.
- Make some cucumber relish by mixing some red chili, vinegar, sugar, sea salt, and water in a pot and heat on medium heat.
- Cook till the sugar dissolves and then remove from heat and allow to cool before adding cucumber, toasted peanuts, and shallots.
- Make salt water in a bowl and make sure the salt is dissolved.
- Place the meat of the fish in a bowl, add some drops of saltwater, and start kneading.
- Add an egg and curry paste and keep kneading and tossing till the mixture turns sticky.
- Add sliced kaffir lime leaves and winged bean and keep kneading till smooth. Then make flat patties from the mixture.
- Heat some oil in a pan on medium heat and fry the patties till they turn golden brown.
- Serve with fried holly as a garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Native to Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam), Clown Knifefish were introduced to Florida’s waterways, most likely through aquarium releases by aquarists. As non-native fish, they compete with native fish populations for food and habitats, potentially disrupting the local ecosystem.
There is no bag or size limit because they are an invasive species. They MUST BE KILLED upon capture and cannot be released live. They are not considered rare in the specific South Florida canals and lakes where they have become established, like the Lake Ida chain of lakes and Lake Osborne in Palm Beach County.
Yes, they are predators and primarily eat small fish, crustaceans (like shrimp and prawns), and aquatic insects. They will readily consume other fish small enough for them to swallow.
Being from tropical Asia, they prefer warm freshwater, typically in the range of 75-82°F (24-28°C).
They can be wary and require some finesse, particularly with artificial lures. Using the right live bait and targeting their preferred habitats at optimal times significantly increases your chances of a successful catch. They offer a good thrill once hooked.
Insider Advice for Your Fishing Adventure
Targeting the Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata) in South Florida offers a unique
Remember the crucial FWC regulation: as an invasive species, any Clown Knifefish caught in Florida’s waterways must be dispatched and not released. This helps protect Florida’s native fish populations and ecosystem. If you’re on a
