Protein
clown knifefish.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-free
ALSO KNOWN AS
chitol fishchitala chitalachitalchitolemohkanarifeatheryback
SERVING
CALORIES
96
PROTEIN
19.2g
CARBS
0g
FAT
1.6g
FIBER
0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories96kcal—
Protein19.2g38%
Carbohydrates0g0%
Fiber0g0%
Sugar0g0%
Total fat1.6g2%
Saturated fat0.40g2%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol55mg18%
Water78.5g—
MINERALS
Sodium72mg3%
Potassium320mg7%
Calcium25mg2%
Iron0.80mg4%
Magnesium28mg7%
Phosphorus210mg17%
Zinc0.60mg5%
Copper0.04mg4%
Manganese0.01mg0%
Selenium28.5µg52%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A12µg1%
Vitamin C0mg0%
Vitamin D4.2µg21%
Vitamin E0.60mg4%
Vitamin K0.10µg0%
Thiamin (B1)0.06mg5%
Riboflavin (B2)0.12mg9%
Niacin (B3)2.8mg18%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.45mg9%
Vitamin B60.22mg13%
Folate (B9)6.0µg2%
Vitamin B121.8µg75%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup150g
1 oz28.4g
1 lb453.6g
1 piece120g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, crucial for muscle building and tissue repair.
- ✓Provides Omega-3 fatty acids, which support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
- ✓Rich in phosphorus, a mineral essential for the formation of strong bones and teeth.
- ✓Contains selenium, an important antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports immune function.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1The flesh is prized for its springy texture but contains many fine bones, making it ideal for scraping to create fish paste (surimi).
- 2Use the scraped meat to make popular Southeast Asian dishes like Thai fish cakes (Tod Mun Pla) or Vietnamese fish balls (Chả Cá).
- 3If cooking whole, deep-frying or steaming are common methods. Steaming with aromatics like ginger and scallions complements its flavor.
- 4Avoid simple filleting unless you are skilled at removing numerous small, intramuscular bones; the scraping method is generally preferred.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Store fresh clown knifefish in the coldest part of your refrigerator (below 40°F / 4°C) and use within 1-2 days of purchase.
- For freezing, wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. It can be stored at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is clown knifefish healthy?
Yes, clown knifefish is a very healthy, lean protein source. It is low in calories and fat while providing essential Omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, phosphorus for strong bones, and selenium to support the immune system.
How much protein is in clown knifefish?
Clown knifefish is high in protein, providing approximately 19.2g per 100g serving. This makes it an excellent choice for muscle building and tissue repair, comparable to other lean white fish.
Is clown knifefish good for weight loss?
Yes, it is highly beneficial for weight loss due to its low calorie count (96 calories per 100g) and high protein content. The protein helps you feel full longer, while the low fat content keeps overall caloric intake down.
Is clown knifefish keto-friendly?
Yes, clown knifefish is ideal for a keto or low-carb diet as it contains 0g of carbohydrates. It provides high-quality protein and healthy fats without impacting blood sugar levels.
Is clown knifefish gluten-free?
In its natural form, clown knifefish is 100% gluten-free. However, because it is often processed into fish balls or cakes, you should check for added binders like flour or breadcrumbs which may contain gluten.
How do you cook clown knifefish?
Because the fish is very bony, the most common preparation is to scrape the meat away from the bones to create a fine paste. This paste is then seasoned and formed into fish balls, patties, or used in soups and stir-fries.
What does clown knifefish taste like?
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a very firm, elastic texture when processed. It lacks a strong 'fishy' odor, making it a popular choice for absorbing the flavors of spices and broths.
Does clown knifefish have many bones?
Yes, clown knifefish is known for having a very complex and fine bone structure. This is why it is rarely served as a whole fillet and is instead typically scraped to separate the flesh from the many small bones.
How do you store fresh clown knifefish?
Fresh clown knifefish should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consumed within 1 to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in moisture-proof packaging and freeze it for up to 3 months.
How can you tell if clown knifefish has gone bad?
Spoiled clown knifefish will have a strong, sour, or ammonia-like smell and the flesh may feel slimy to the touch. If the fish is whole, look for dull, cloudy eyes and brownish gills as signs that it is no longer fresh.






















