Can Clown Killifish and Humpbacked Limia Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Clown Killifish and Humpbacked Limia are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and 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

Humpbacked Limia

Limia nigrofasciata

🐠Family Group
Clown Killifish
Killifish
Humpbacked Limia
Livebearers
Temperament
Clown Killifish
Peaceful (2/10)
Humpbacked Limia
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
23–27°C
Humpbacked Limia
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Clown Killifish
5–7
Humpbacked Limia
7.2–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Clown Killifish
1–8
Humpbacked Limia
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Freshwater Only
Humpbacked Limia
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Low
Humpbacked Limia
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Clown Killifish
19 L
Humpbacked Limia
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Clown Killifish
Top
Humpbacked Limia
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Clown Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Humpbacked Limia
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Clown Killifish and Humpbacked Limia?

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
Humpbacked Limia
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Clown Killifish and Humpbacked Limia 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 Humpbacked Limia 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 24°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Clown Killifish (5–7) and Humpbacked Limia (7.2–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Clown Killifish needs 1–8 dGH while Humpbacked Limia requires 10–25 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Clown Killifish and Humpbacked Limia together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 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, Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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 Humpbacked Limia 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 Humpbacked Limia.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clown Killifish and Humpbacked Limia 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 Humpbacked Limia need?

A minimum of 75 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 Humpbacked Limia 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 Humpbacked Limia aggressive?

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

What pH do Clown Killifish and Humpbacked Limia need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Clown Killifish prefers 5–7, while Humpbacked Limia needs 7.2–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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