Can Clown Killifish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Clown Killifish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. 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

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Tanichthys albonubes

🐠Family Group
Clown Killifish
Killifish
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Cyprinids
Temperament
Clown Killifish
Peaceful (2/10)
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Clown Killifish
23–27°C
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
14–22°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
5–7
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
1–8
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Freshwater Only
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Clown Killifish
Low
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 46 L
Clown Killifish
19 L
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Clown Killifish
Top
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Clown Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Clown Killifish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow 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

There is no temperature overlap between Clown Killifish (23–27°C) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow (14–22°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

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 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 White Cloud Mountain Minnow together, plan for an aquarium of at least 46 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, 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clown Killifish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Clown Killifish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?

A minimum of 46 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 White Cloud Mountain Minnow together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Clown Killifish requires 23–27°C, while White Cloud Mountain Minnow needs 14–22°C.

Are Clown Killifish or White Cloud Mountain Minnow aggressive?

Clown Killifish is peaceful (2/10) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Clown Killifish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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