The Clown Knifefish (Chitala chitala) is a freshwater fish. It is also known as the Indian Featherback.
The Clown Knifefish is an elongated fish with silver scales and faint silvery bars along its back. It has a series of dark spots towards the rear of its body. Its locomotion (movement) is unusual, as it uses its paddle tail (like an eel) and anal fin to steer itself.
Clown Knifefish
It measures about 75-122 centimetres (30-48 inches) in length.
The Clown Knifefish is native to the Asian rivers of Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan, particular the Indus and the Ganges river systems.
It feeds on plankton and aquatic insects.
The female lays eggs on wood or a log in the river. The male guards the eggs against predators, especially catfish.
Clown Knifefish
Clown Knifefish
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM