Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
The Clown Killifish is a striking, surface-dwelling nano fish from West Africa, prized for its vivid stripes and the male's vibrant, rocket-like tail.
Ideal Conditions
- Temperature
- 20 – 25 °C
- pH range
- 5 – 7
- Hardness
- 1 – 8 dGH
- Adult size
- 3 – 4 cm
- Nano tank (20L+)
- 20 litres+
- Lifespan
- 2 – 4 years
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Water flow
- Very low to still
- Preferred setup
- Heavily planted with dense floating vegetation and a secure lid.
About the Clown Killifish
Known scientifically as Epiplatys annulatus, and frequently traded as Pseudepiplatys annulatus, the Clown Killifish is a diminutive jewel of the aquarium hobby. Its common moniker 'Rocket Killifish' perfectly describes the male’s spectacular, vividly coloured caudal fin. These tiny predators spend the vast majority of their time hunting for micro-insects just beneath the water's surface. Unlike many better-known killifish species, they are non-annual, meaning they do not rely on their habitats drying up to complete their life cycle, allowing them to live for several years in captivity.
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Where Clown Killifish comes from
Native range
West Africa
Countries / regions
Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia
Habitat
Slow-moving, shallow rainforest streams, swamps, and small savannah pools with heavy marginal vegetation and tannin-stained water.
Populations are often highly localised and vary slightly in colouration depending on their exact river drainage.
Similar species
Norman's Lampeye
Poropanchax normani
Steel Blue Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.
Compatible tank mates
Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.
- Great
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
A highly peaceful nano fish that shares the same requirements for soft, acidic water and will not compete aggressively for food.
- Great
Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
Bottom and mid-level dwellers that are completely peaceful and will not interfere with the surface-dwelling killifish.
- Great
Crystal Red Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis
Thrive in the same soft, acidic water conditions; the killifish are generally too small to pose a threat to adult shrimp, though some shrimplets may be eaten.
- Compatible with caution
Siamese Fighting Fish
Betta splendens
Both species occupy the surface zone. A Betta may mistake the colourful male killifish for a rival or outright predate on them due to their small size.
- Not recommended
Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
Far too active and boisterous; they require high flow and cooler water, and will quickly outcompete the shy killifish for food.
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