Freshwater

Clown knifefish

Pez cuchillo payaso

Chitala ornata

Freshwater

At a glance

Typical size

2–6 lb.

Depth

2–12 ft.

Best time

Daylight — these fish feed by sight.

Found in

1 area

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: Flat, knife-shaped silver fish with a hump back, a long wavy anal fin and a row of black eye-spots near the tail.
Typical size: 2–6 lb.
Maximum size: About 3 ft.
Diet: Small fish, insects, snails and shrimp.
Behavior: Lives along canal banks, rocks and vegetation in warm water; very aggressive toward small lures.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from South Florida & Keys. Palm Beach County lakes and canals (native to Southeast Asia).
Habitat: Palm Beach County lakes and canals (native to Southeast Asia).
Depth: 2–12 ft.
Fishing depth: 1–8 ft along banks and structure.
Best season: All year in South Florida canals; best in warm months.
Best time: Daylight — these fish feed by sight.
Best tides: Not tidal; flowing canals after rain are good.
Best weather / conditions: Warm, sunny days. They get sluggish in cold snaps.

What to tie on and what to throw.

The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.

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Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Palm Beach County lakes and canals (native to Southeast Asia).
Rig up: Light to medium spinning rod, 6–7 ft. 15–20 lb fluorocarbon.
Pick your bait: Live shiners and small tilapia. Lures: Small swimbaits at dawn and dusk.
Fish it: Live bait under a float near cover at dawn, dusk and night.
Time it: Daylight — these fish feed by sight. Not tidal; flowing canals after rain are good.

Fishing techniques: Live bait under a float near cover at dawn, dusk and night.
BigJoe's tip: They feed most at night — try a lighted dock.
Catch and release: Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.

Edibility: Edible but not prized — strong or bony; many anglers release it.
Cleaning: Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
Cooking suggestions: Cook fish to 145°F (63°C) — the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily. Fry, grill, bake or blacken.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Sharp dorsal spines.
Regulations: Non-native in Florida — never move or release it alive in another water; check FWC. A Florida fishing license is required unless you are exempt; Florida rules are set by FWC (myfwc.com). Federal waters fall under NOAA Fisheries. Other states and countries set their own limits — check before you keep fish.
Conservation: Keep only what you'll eat, release the rest quickly, and follow size and bag limits.

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Sources & photo credits