Notopterus notopterus, commonly known as the bronze featherback, is a freshwater fish native to Thailand and Southeast Asia. Recognized for its elongated, silvery-bronze body, it inhabits rivers, lakes, and swamps.
Common Names: Ghost Knifefish,Grey Featherback
Thai Name: สลาด
Max Weight: 0.5kg (1.1lb)
Max Length: 25cm
Thailand Status: Native
Chitala blanci, or the royal knifefish, is an endangered freshwater species native to Thailand’s Chao Phraya and Mekong river basins. Known for its sleek, silver body, it is highly valued in local ecosystems.
Common Names: Indochina featherback, Royal Featherback, Royal Knifefish
Thai Name: ตองลาย
Max Weight: 3kg (6.6lb)
Max Length: 50cm
Thailand Status: Native
C. ornata, or the ornate knifefish, is a striking freshwater species native to Thailand and Southeast Asia. It features a sleek, silver body with distinctive dark spots along its tail.
Common Names: Spotted Featherback, Spotted Knifefish, Clown Featherback, Clown Knifefish
Thai Name: กราย
Max Weight: 6kg (13lb)
Max Length: 80cm
Thailand Status: Native
The Featherbacks or Knifefishes (Notopteridae) (meaning "back fin") are a family of bony-tongues Osteoglossiformes. The bony-tongues are a primitive but highly successful family of fishes which have been on earth for 200 million years or more. Their shape gives them their common name Knifefish and the other popular common name Featherback comes from the small thin protruding dorsal fin (see image right) which is not always so distinct or present in all species, hence the common confusion of some being named Featherback and some Knifefish and vice versa. The smallest of the Notopteridae family is the Ghost Knifefish (Notopterus notopterus) and most common in Thailand.
(Top) A small size spotted featherback (Chitala chitala) caught from Dreamlake in Chiang mai. (Bottom) The protruding dorsal fin on the back which resembles a feather is the origin of the common name "Featherback", they are also known as Knifefishes due to their apparent knife shaped bodies
The main interest for anglers are the largest of the family the Giant Featherback (Chitala lopis) the Spotted Featherback (Chitala chitala) and the rare Royal Knifefish or Indochina Featherback (Chitala blanci). Featherbacks are usually nocturnal hunters and mainly feed on fish and amphibians. They can be taken on lures and flies which are presented well with a slow retrieve. Worms as always are a very good bait for all species of Featherback.
Choose from amazing guided fishing trips based out of and around Bangkok, Chiang mai and the wild jungle reservoirs of Northern, Western and Southern Thailand.
Thailand's chaotic capital Bangkok isn't the first place most people would think of visiting for a fishing trip. But we provide daily guided fishing trips for Giant Siamese Carp & Mekong Catfish, many species of Predator fish, lure fishing for Barramundi and the mighty Giant Snakehead.
Thailand's northern province of Chiang mai provides the fisherman with plenty of opportunities for freshwater fishing. Target ALL species at Dreamlake fishing resort, Giant mekong Catfish at the Borsang lake or go into the country to one of the Giant snakehead fishing reservoirs.
Jungle fishing adventures in Thailand are very exciting and most of the time anglers are surrounded by natural beauty and unforgettable scenery in some of Thailand's wildest national parks and jungle destinations. Choose your Jungle fishing adventure in Thailand.
We look forward to seeing you fishing in Thailand with us soon whether you are a match angler, species hunter or big fish specialist Join us at one of the many unique and amazing fishing parks, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and dams that are here in Thailand. There really is an unforgetable fishing in Thailand experience for all anglers at all levels from all backgrounds.