Clown Knifefish
Chitala ornata
A large, exotic freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia with an elongated, knife-like body and distinctive spotted pattern. It's an invasive species in Florida waters that has established breeding populations.
Clown Knifefish at a glance
- Scientific name
- Chitala ornata
- Typical size
- 24-40 inches, 5-20 lbs
- Water
- Freshwater
- Habitat
- Exotic
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Uncommon
Habitat
Found in canals, lakes, and slow-moving rivers throughout South Florida, particularly in the Everglades and urban waterways. Anglers typically target them at night using live bait or cut fish, as they are primarily nocturnal feeders. They prefer areas with structure like fallen trees or vegetation.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a clown knifefish through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksClown Knifefish questions people ask
Clown Knifefish is Chitala ornata.
A typical clown knifefish runs 24-40 inches, 5-20 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every clown knifefish you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Found in canals, lakes, and slow-moving rivers throughout South Florida, particularly in the Everglades and urban waterways. Anglers typically target them at night using live bait or cut fish, as they are primarily nocturnal feeders. They prefer areas with structure like fallen trees or vegetation. It is a fresh water species, filed under exotic in the Fishdex.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.