Other common names:: are Clown Featherback Fish, Spotted Knifefish, Spotted Featherback Fish, and Clown Knife.

The Clown Knifefish, Chitala ornata, is a very popular knifefish. This is partly because of its common availability and being relatively inexpensive. But its also a favorite because it is extremely attractive. They usually have a pattern of large spots, but this can be quite variable and it seems that no two Clown Knifefish are exactly alike.