Can Clown Killifish and Glowlight Tetra Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Clown Killifish and Glowlight Tetra are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. They occupy different areas of the water column, which reduces competition for space. A minimum tank size of 48 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Clown Killifish

Epiplatys annulatus

Glowlight Tetra

Hemigrammus erythrozonus

🐠Family Group
Clown Killifish
Killifish
Glowlight Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Clown Killifish
Peaceful (2/10)
Glowlight Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
23–27°C
Glowlight Tetra
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
5–7
Glowlight Tetra
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
1–8
Glowlight Tetra
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Freshwater Only
Glowlight Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Low
Glowlight Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 48 L
Clown Killifish
19 L
Glowlight Tetra
40 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Clown Killifish
Top
Glowlight Tetra
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Clown Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Glowlight Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)

Behaviour & Temperament

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

In terms of spatial distribution, Clown Killifish prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Glowlight Tetra occupies the Middle (Open Water) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

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 5.5 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 2–8 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 Glowlight Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 48 litres with a minimum length of 45 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clown Killifish and Glowlight Tetra live together?

Yes. Clown Killifish and Glowlight Tetra are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Clown Killifish and Glowlight Tetra need?

A minimum of 48 litres (tank length at least 45 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 Glowlight Tetra 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 Glowlight Tetra aggressive?

Clown Killifish is peaceful (2/10) and Glowlight Tetra is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Clown Killifish and Glowlight Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 5.5–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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