Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Minimum Tank
5 Gallons
Adult Size
1.5 inches
Temperature
73-79°F (23-26°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
3 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Clown Killifish
The clown killifish is a tiny, brilliantly colored surface-dwelling fish from the shallow waters of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone in West Africa. Its body displays bold, alternating bands of cream and dark brown, topped with a spectacular fan-shaped tail fin painted in vivid blue, red, and yellow. Despite being a killifish, clown killis are not annual species and do not require a dry period for their eggs, making them much easier to keep than many killifish. They inhabit the very surface layer of the water, where they hunt tiny insects and surface-dwelling invertebrates. At just 1.5 inches, they are perfect for nano tanks and add stunning color to the often-neglected top water level.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 5-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 73-79°F (23-26°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Killifish
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Carnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Clown killifish are surface dwellers that need floating plants and surface cover to feel secure. Keep them in a nano tank of at least 5 gallons with a tight-fitting lid, as they are skilled jumpers. They prefer warm, soft, slightly acidic water at 73-79°F with very gentle flow. Provide floating plants like water lettuce or salvinia that mimic their natural habitat. Feed small floating foods including micro-pellets, crushed flakes, and live or frozen foods like baby brine shrimp and daphnia. Avoid strong filtration and surface agitation. Males may spar mildly but rarely cause harm. They are peaceful with other tiny species and do well in planted nano community setups.
Quick Facts
19L
Min Tank (5gal)
4cm
Adult Size (1.5")
3yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Clown Killifish
Related Species You Might Like
Bluefin Notho
Nothobranchius rachovii
Least Killifish
Heterandria formosa
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
Tank Mates for Clown Killifish
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
easy · 10+ gal
Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var.
easy · 5+ gal
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
moderate · 10+ gal
Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish
Pseudomugil gertrudae
moderate · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Clown Killifish need?
A Clown Killifish needs a minimum tank size of 5 gallons (19 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Clown Killifish need?
Clown Killifish thrive in water between 73-79°F (23-26°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Clown Killifish easy to care for?
Clown Killifish are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 3 years.
How big do Clown Killifish get and what do they eat?
Clown Killifish reach about 1.5 inches and are carnivores. Clown killifish are surface dwellers that need floating plants and surface cover to feel secure. Keep them in a nano tank of at least 5 gallons with a tight-fitting lid, as they are skilled jumpers. They prefer warm, soft, slightly acidic water at 73-79°F with very gentle flow. Provide floating plants like water lettuce or salvinia that mimic their natural habitat. Feed small floating foods including micro-pellets, crushed flakes, and live or frozen foods like baby brine shrimp and daphnia. Avoid strong filtration and surface agitation. Males may spar mildly but rarely cause harm. They are peaceful with other tiny species and do well in planted nano community setups.