Can Clown Killifish and Endler's Livebearer Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Not Recommended

Clown Killifish and Endler's Livebearer are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Clown Killifish

Epiplatys annulatus

Endler's Livebearer

Poecilia wingei

🐠Family Group
Clown Killifish
Killifish
Endler's Livebearer
Livebearers
Temperament
Clown Killifish
Peaceful (2/10)
Endler's Livebearer
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
23–27°C
Endler's Livebearer
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
5–7
Endler's Livebearer
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Clown Killifish
1–8
Endler's Livebearer
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Freshwater Only
Endler's Livebearer
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Low
Endler's Livebearer
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 19 L
Clown Killifish
19 L
Endler's Livebearer
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Clown Killifish
Top
Endler's Livebearer
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Clown Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Endler's Livebearer
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Clown Killifish and Endler's Livebearer?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Clown Killifish
Endler's Livebearer
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Behaviour & Temperament

Clown Killifish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Endler's Livebearer is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Clown Killifish may occasionally assert dominance over Endler's Livebearer.

Clown Killifish and Endler's Livebearer both frequent the Top (Surface) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Clown Killifish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Clown Killifish needs 1–8 dGH while Endler's Livebearer requires 10–25 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Clown Killifish and Endler's Livebearer together, plan for an aquarium of at least 19 litres with a minimum length of 30 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Floating, Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Clown Killifish and Endler's Livebearer are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Clown Killifish and Endler's Livebearer.

Show 27 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clown Killifish and Endler's Livebearer live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Clown Killifish and Endler's Livebearer need?

A minimum of 19 litres (tank length at least 30 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Clown Killifish and Endler's Livebearer together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Clown Killifish or Endler's Livebearer aggressive?

Clown Killifish is peaceful (2/10) and Endler's Livebearer is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Clown Killifish and Endler's Livebearer need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
April 28, 2026
Last updated
April 28, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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