Clown featherback
📖 Overview
Obligate air-breathing ; Adults inhabit flowing waters of large and medium-sized rivers . Within the Mekong mainstream, they occur in pools . They feed on surface-feeding fishes, crustaceans and insects, with a crepuscular or nocturnal activity pattern. They move into inundated forest during the high water period from June to October. Individuals from the Great Lake are shipped to markets in Thailand .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Distinguished from other members of the family by the presence of a row of large ocellated spots above the base of the anal fin . Differs from C. chitala in lacking silver or gold transverse streaks on dorsum and from C. blanci and C. lopis in lacking a basal pectoral spot .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Clown featherback is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Clown featherback is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Male guards the eggs .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; potamodromous . Tropical; 24°C - 28°C
🌿 Ecology
surface-feeding fishes, crustaceans and insects, with a crepuscular or nocturnal activity pattern
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Chitala Ornata is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Clown featherback is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Clown featherback has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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