Can Clown Killifish and Forktail Blue-eye Live Together?

🟡Possible with Caution

Keeping Clown Killifish and Forktail Blue-eye together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 66 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Clown Killifish

Epiplatys annulatus

Forktail Blue-eye

Pseudomugil furcatus

🐠Family Group
Clown Killifish
Killifish
Forktail Blue-eye
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Clown Killifish
Peaceful (2/10)
Forktail Blue-eye
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
23–27°C
Forktail Blue-eye
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
5–7
Forktail Blue-eye
7–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
1–8
Forktail Blue-eye
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Freshwater Only
Forktail Blue-eye
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Low
Forktail Blue-eye
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 66 L
Clown Killifish
19 L
Forktail Blue-eye
55 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Clown Killifish
Top
Forktail Blue-eye
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Clown Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Forktail Blue-eye
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Clown Killifish and Forktail Blue-eye are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Clown Killifish and Forktail Blue-eye 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.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°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.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Clown Killifish and Forktail Blue-eye together, plan for an aquarium of at least 66 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clown Killifish and Forktail Blue-eye live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 66 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Clown Killifish and Forktail Blue-eye need?

A minimum of 66 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Forktail Blue-eye together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Clown Killifish or Forktail Blue-eye aggressive?

Clown Killifish is peaceful (2/10) and Forktail Blue-eye is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Clown Killifish and Forktail Blue-eye need?

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


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