Can Clown Killifish and Honey Gourami Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Clown Killifish and Honey Gourami are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 38 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Clown Killifish

Epiplatys annulatus

Honey Gourami

Trichogaster chuna

🐠Family Group
Clown Killifish
Killifish
Honey Gourami
Anabantoids
Temperament
Clown Killifish
Peaceful (2/10)
Honey Gourami
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
23–27°C
Honey Gourami
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
5–7
Honey Gourami
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
1–8
Honey Gourami
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Freshwater Only
Honey Gourami
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Low
Honey Gourami
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 38 L
Clown Killifish
19 L
Honey Gourami
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Clown Killifish
Top
Honey Gourami
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Clown Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Honey Gourami
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Clown Killifish and Honey Gourami?

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
Honey Gourami
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Clown Killifish and Honey Gourami 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 Honey Gourami 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.

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 6 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 4–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Clown Killifish and Honey Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 38 litres with a minimum length of 45 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, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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 Works in Practice

Clown Killifish and Honey Gourami work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Clown Killifish and Honey Gourami.

Show 22 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clown Killifish and Honey Gourami live together?

Yes. Clown Killifish and Honey Gourami 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 Honey Gourami need?

A minimum of 38 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 Honey Gourami 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 Honey Gourami aggressive?

Clown Killifish is peaceful (2/10) and Honey Gourami is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Clown Killifish and Honey Gourami need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7 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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