Clown Knifefish

{
  "id": "80ad6196-cf1c-465b-887e-9305e1abc2a1",
  "commonName": "Clown Knifefish",
  "scientificName": "Chitala ornata",
  "slug": "clown-knifefish",
  "category": "freshwater",
  "aliases": [
    "Pla Grai",
    "clown featherback",
    "Spotted Knifefish",
    "Spotted Featherback",
    "Clown Featherback",
    "Barred Knifefish",
    "Marbled Knifefish"
  ],
  "description": "With its long, sleek, and laterally compressed body, the Clown Knifefish is an instant icon of tropical freshwater. Its most arresting feature is the row of striking, eye-like dark spots rimmed with white or gold that decorate its silver-grey to bronze-hued flank, extending towards the sickle-shaped anal fin that runs much of its length. This fish is built for stealthy power, reaching impressive sizes of 40 to 50 inches and weights over 30 pounds, though most encountered by anglers average between 10 and 20 pounds. Anglers will instantly recognize the distinctively small dorsal fin set far back and the long, pointed 'knife' of its profile when seen underwater or brought to hand.",
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/clown-knifefish/main.webp",
  "hero": {
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    "altText": "Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata) watercolor",
    "caption": "With its long, sleek, and laterally compressed body, the Clown Knifefish is an instant icon of tropical freshwater.",
    "width": 2400,
    "height": 1340
  },
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "fd28b1c3-dcc5-43b2-9f0c-61673481d9c3",
      "name": "Juvenile/Sub-adult",
      "slug": "juvenile-sub-adult",
      "description": "The young Clown Knifefish is a creature of sheltered waters, relying on its cryptic nature and nocturnal habits for survival. In this phase, it grows rapidly, honing its predatory skills on small fish and invertebrates in flooded forests and dense vegetation.",
      "appearance": "A sleek, laterally compressed body, typically less than 20 inches in length. The base color is a uniform silver-grey, often with a slight olive or bronze cast. The most distinctive feature is the prominent row of 5-8 large, dark, eye-like (ocellated) spots along the flank near the anal fin. These spots are sharply defined and often have a brilliant white or metallic gold outer ring, making them highly conspicuous against the plain background. The long, undulating anal fin is present but the overall body is more slender than in adults.",
      "triggers": null,
      "habitat": "Shallow, vegetated backwaters, flooded forests, canals, and quiet margins of rivers and lakes in its native and introduced tropical ranges.",
      "anglersNote": "Often caught incidentally while targeting other species. They are powerful fighters for their size but are generally protected as a prized aquarium fish in many areas.",
      "displayOrder": 0,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    },
    {
      "id": "6fc4f48a-6986-4e34-9290-7a698128d456",
      "name": "Adult",
      "slug": "adult",
      "description": "The mature Clown Knifefish is an apex nocturnal predator, a ghost of deep pools and undercut banks. This phase represents the trophy fish anglers dream of—a powerful, elusive creature that commands respect in any waterway it inhabits.",
      "appearance": "A massive, powerful, and extremely laterally compressed body, reaching 40-50+ inches and weights over 30 pounds. The base color deepens to a rich bronze, gunmetal grey, or dark olive-silver. The iconic ocellated spots may become less distinct or even fade somewhat in very large, old specimens, sometimes appearing as blurred dark smudges. The body is much deeper and heavier than the juvenile phase. The sickle-shaped anal fin is long and powerful, and the tiny, spike-like dorsal fin is set far back near the tail. The head is pointed, and the overall profile is that of a living blade.",
      "triggers": "Reaching sexual maturity and a significant size (typically over 24-30 inches).",
      "habitat": "Deep pools, undercut river banks, submerged timber, and dark, structural cover in large rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. Prefers areas with slower current.",
      "anglersNote": "The ultimate trophy phase. Fishing is primarily nocturnal. Known for spectacular, powerful runs and is a premier light-tackle quarry where established.",
      "displayOrder": 1,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    }
  ],
  "contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:31:01.225Z"
}

[]

[]

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  "title": null,
  "description": "Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata) are tropical freshwater icons with striking eye-spots. Learn about this powerful, elusive trophy fish for anglers.",
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    "barred knifefish",
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