A striking nano killifish resembling a tiny rocket. Native to West African swamps, they have distinct black and yellow vertical bands. They are strictly surface dwellers (top-level) and are non-annual, meaning they live longer than annual killifish (2-3+ years). They are notorious jumpers and require a tight lid.
Clown Killifish At a Glance
Clown Killifish Tank Requirements
Will Clown Killifish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Clown Killifish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Clown Killifish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Clown Killifish Water Parameters
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Clown Killifish Temperament & Compatibility
Clown Killifish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Larger and significantly more colorful. The tail fin resembles a rocket flame with vivid red, blue, and yellow stripes. Males will flare and spar but are rarely dangerous to one another.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Female
Slightly smaller with clear/translucent fins and less distinct banding. Essential for reducing aggression in males (harem ratio recommended).
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Clown Killifish Care Guide Summary
The Clown Killifish, scientifically known as Epiplatys annulatus, belongs to the Killifish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 3.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Clown Killifish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 5–7 and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Clown Killifish is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Clown Killifish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Clown Killifish, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Clown Killifish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Clown Killifish is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Clown Killifish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Clown Killifish.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clown Killifish
How big does Clown Killifish get?
Clown Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 3.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Clown Killifish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Clown Killifish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Clown Killifish need?
Clown Killifish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–27°C, a pH between 5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Clown Killifish peaceful or aggressive?
Clown Killifish is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Clown Killifish live alone?
No, Clown Killifish should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Clown Killifish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Clown Killifish benefits from plants - floating, plants - densely covered, and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Clown Killifish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Clown Killifish is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Clown Killifish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Clown Killifish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Potamalpheops sp.
Ideal Tank MatesVestitus Otocinclus
Otocinclus vestitus
Ideal Tank MatesGreen Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon simulans
Ideal Tank MatesGarnet Tetra
Hemigrammus pulcher
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria spinulifera
Loricaria spinulifera
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Clown Killifish
These plants pair well with Clown Killifish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Clown Killifish
Lyretail Killifish
Aphyosemion australe
A highly popular and stunning African killifish. Unlike 'annual' killifish that die after a single breeding season, Aphyosemion australe is a 'non-annual' species that can live for 3+ years in an aquarium. They are notorious jumpers and require a tight-fitting lid. Best kept in heavily planted aquariums with soft, acidic water.
Rachov's Killifish (Annual)
Nothobranchius rachovii
A stunning annual killifish native to temporary floodplains in East Africa. Because their natural habitats dry up seasonally, they have a short lifespan (usually 8-12 months) and grow incredibly fast. They spawn by diving into soft substrate to bury their eggs, which then require a dry incubation period. Best kept in species-only setups with a soft soil or peat substrate.
Largereye Lampeye Killifish
Micropanchax macrophthalmus
A peaceful, nano-sized schooling killifish native to West Africa. They are renowned for the brilliant, iridescent blue or green reflective spot on the upper part of their eye. Unlike seasonal killifish, they are relatively long-lived (2-4 years). They require well-established, densely planted aquariums and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Heterandria formosa
Despite its common name, the Least Killifish is actually one of the smallest livebearing fish in the world, belonging to the Poeciliidae family, not the killifish family. Native to the southeastern United States, they are incredibly peaceful and perfect for nano tanks. Unlike most livebearers, they exhibit 'superfoetation', meaning females drop 1-2 fry every few days rather than a large single brood.
Gardner's Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
A stunning, semi-annual killifish native to Nigeria and Cameroon. Known for being relatively hardy and an excellent 'beginner' killifish. They are notorious jumpers and require a tightly fitting lid. While they can be kept in community tanks with similarly sized, fast-moving fish, males can be boisterous and territorial.
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Poropanchax normani
A small, peaceful, schooling killifish native to Central and Western Africa. Named for the bright, iridescent blue/white crescent on the upper part of their eyes, which glows under aquarium lighting. Unlike many killifish, they are not annual and thrive in community setups. They are highly active swimmers and known jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is required.