The clown featherback, also known as the clown knifefish or spotted knifefish (Chitala ornata), is a nocturnal tropical fish with a distinctive, knife-like body. It is native to freshwater habitats in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, but it has been introduced to other regions outside its natural range, making it one of the world's most invasive species.
Despite its invasive tendencies, the clown featherback is often seen in aquaculture and the aquarium trade, where it is frequently mistaken for its closely related and very rare counterpart, Chitala chitala. This species can reach a length of 1 meter (3.3 feet), making it unsuitable for all but the largest aquaria, yet it remains a popular choice among hobbyists.