Clown Killifish

Epiplatys annulatus

Clown Killifish is a peaceful top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 8+.

PeacefulTop swimmerKeep in a loose group of 8+Beginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Clown Killifish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Top swimmer
Temperature: 72–77°F (22–25°C)
pH: 4–7
GH: 1–8 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 2 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 2 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–25 °C, pH 4–7, GH 1–8 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Clown Killifish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough surface space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Clown Killifish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 8+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Liberia Sierra Leone Guinea.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Batman Betta Betta persephone Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Blue Purple Emperor Tetra Inpaichthys kerri Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Adonis Tetra Lepidarchus adonis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Copper Ribbon Tetra Rhabdalestes septentrionalis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.7" (≤ 6.9 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Clown Killifish get?

Clown Killifish reaches ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Clown Killifish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Clown Killifish peaceful?

Yes. Clown Killifish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Clown Killifish?

Keep it between 22 to 25 °C.

Should Clown Killifish be kept alone or in a group?

Clown Killifish: Keep in a loose group of 8+.