What makes a clown knife a clown knife?

[likestofish]

Well, black ghost knives don't look much like a ghost either.......

Well natives think those fish are dead spiits of people and are scared of them.

 

[FSM]

And where did you hear that?

 

[likestofish]

It was either a book or that discovery special about the amazon

 

[benzjamin13]

I think it has to do with the spottings on their body...don't know how it really relates to clowns, but I think I read somewhere awhile ago that was the reason. Originally, they were known more as Feather Fins for their feather-like dorsal fin.

 

[aidenb]

I believe they get the clown part because the spots play a trick on bigger predators so they are confused about where the head of the knife is

 

[peewee]

personality maybe?

 

[Finalfire9]

Clown knife is a goofy name. I call them Featherback's