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Clown Knifefish: NONNATIVE
Clown Knifefish: NONNATIVE

Nonnative Clown knifefish are only found around the Osborne-Ida chain of lake, and it is illegal to move them elsewhere.

lown Knifefish: Notopterus chitala

Appearance:
Very distinct, flat, silvery fish with long anal fin that gives the knifefish its common name; tiny dorsal fin and 5-10 black spots ringed with white distinguish it from all other fish in Florida; juveniles possess dark vertical bands instead of spots; long anal fin equally allows for forward and backward movements.

Range:
Currently only found in Lakes Osborne, Ida, and their associated canals in southeast Florida. Native to tropical Asia--Indochina and Thailand.

Habitat:
Lakes, swamps, and river backwaters; young fish occur in schools among aquatic plants and submerged roots; adults tend to be loaners commonly found near shore in areas with overhanging vegetation or docks; utilizes air to survive in warm, stagnant waters with little oxygen.

Behavior:
Spawning Habitats: Reportedly spawning takes place in spring when females each lay thousands of eggs on the substrate or piece of wood; male cares for the eggs by fanning them with his tail, keeping them aerated and silt-free; later male reportedly protects hatched fry.

Feeding Habits: Feeds on a variety of prey including small fish, insects, and grass shrimp.

Age and Growth
Largest specimen documented in Florida was a 31-inch specimen weighing just under 10 pounds.

Sporting Quality
Limited, but its unique appearance and jumping skills make for an exciting catch.

Edibility
Bony, but commercially important in native range; flesh minced, made into balls, and cooked with curry.

FWC photo

Attribution No Derivative Works Some rights reserved
Taken on: March 22, 2013
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Sets appears in:   • Freshwater Fish ID    • Fishbrain: Nonnative Freshwater Fish    more » • Nonnative Freshwater Fish    • Fish Busters' September 2014    • Invasive, Nonnative, Exotic Animals    « less
Camera: Canon PowerShot SX40 HS, f/2.8, 1/1250 sec, 4.5mm, ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)
Camera: Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure Time: 0.001 sec (1/1250)
Focal Length: 4.5mm
ISO: 100
Exposure Bias: +1/3 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Exposure Mode: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
White Balance: Auto
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Color Space: sRGB
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Clown Knifefish: NONNATIVE

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