INDIANANGLER

Can the Clown knifefish be found in the indian waters ?

I have seen them in aquariums in India

Yes I believe they are found in the indian wild...

Hope this helps, the colours vary from silver to bronze:

Hello Rajat, Never found in Maharashtra. Dont think they survive here...

i believe we do have them here in maharashtra.

i have seen them.

but not with the spots. are,nt these sheath fish family.

i've seen themplay around on the surface of ponds at dusk.

I referred "The Rod In India" where H S Thomas claims that the fish (Notopterus Chitala) grows upto 4 - 5 feet in length. Vernacular names listed there are Seetul, Chitala, Chitul, Moie, Mohi, Moh, Gundun and Bunnah. They take lures readly and have a habbit of rolling like Tarpon.

Rajat, the author also makes a point of mentioning that the belly is uncommonly rich and well flavoured.

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The Cheetol or Clown Fish, does not belong to the Sheath Fish Family. The Walago Attu (Great White Sheath Fish) belongs to the family Siluridae (includes most catfish), while Knife Fish belong to Notopteridae .

You are right that they taste great. Most of its bones are in the hump and the belly portion makes a great fillet with just one bone. The Cheetol is sold anywhere between Rs500 to Rs1000.00 per Kg in certain Mumbai markets you may find one in the Spinach chain of stores.

They normally are found in clear non polluted waters with good water plants. They are great to hook on light tackle.

Thanks bobby and ROS some very interesting info there. I would love to catch one of them but one has to figure out where to go, for that looks like west Bengal is the only bet

u bet....rajat da....WB is the place to go after these elusive fish .....i have heard alot about them......but never seen anybody catching one....infact cheetol rate highest is my 'must catch' list ...!!!!

im lucky...

ive seen these fish here in pune at a certain pond .. bobby ive seen them roll like you said.. two gurkha chaps were catching them on worms at dusk...

We call it a Sital. Is it not the featherback? We buy this fish during Bihu festival. A delicacy foe the people of Assam.

Now we Bongs should find that address of the Pond in Pune. Apoo it is a feather back you are right. Hamour hit the pond with light tackle you will be able to enjoy a good fight and a really good meal after that.

hey hamour
thats the place where i caught my first fish.....
and what i heard from people out there is they do catch good size fish from the dam
river also looked promising but had no means to check at that time....

hozefa dont say any more now ....

plus now you can get ones butt kicked if see hanging around or fishing there..

OOh! the game is afoot