Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally and are of establishment concern for the contiguous United States based on a climate matching analysis.

Chitala ornata, the clown knifefish, is a fish native to Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Nonnative populations of Chitala ornata have become established in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, as well as in the United States (Florida), likely via ornamental aquarium releases. This species is popular in the aquarium trade and grows large enough that it is not manageable for most aquarists. Introductions in Sri Lanka and the Philippines have adversely affected native fish populations and aquaculture production. The History of Invasiveness for Chitala ornata is classified as High due to these documented impacts from established nonnative populations. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species. Southern Florida, the southern Atlantic Coast, and the Gulf Coast had areas of high climate match for Chitala ornata, with the southeastern and portions of the southwestern contiguous United States showing a medium climate match. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as High due to documented negative impacts of established nonnative populations. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Chitala ornata in the contiguous United States is High.