Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Also known as Rocket Killifish, Banded Panchax
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A tiny, boldly banded surface fish with a tail like a rocket flame, best in a quiet, planted small tank. It is peaceful but small and a little specialized, so keep it with similarly tiny, calm fish in soft water. Floating plants help it feel safe.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 11 US gal
- Footprint
- 18 x 12 in
- Temperature
- 68–79 °F
- pH
- 4–7
- Hardness
- 1–8 dGH
- Swim zone
- Top
- Min group
- 8 fish
- Lifespan
- Not well documented
Clown Killifish care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Do not buy just one or two. Keep at least 8 fish so they feel secure.
- Use a tight lid. Killifish are skilled jumpers, even through small gaps.
- Keep flow very low, because strong currents push this small surface fish around.
- Avoid larger community fish, which will outcompete and intimidate it.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 11 US gallons.
Clown Killifish tank mates and swim zone
Top
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Paracheirodon innesi
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Poecilia reticulata
Their pH ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Betta splendens
Betta often does best alone. Only try this in a larger, planted tank, and watch closely.
Trichogaster lalius
Clown Killifish is small and shy, and is easily outcompeted for food by Dwarf Gourami.
Trichopodus leerii
Clown Killifish is small and shy, and is easily outcompeted for food by Pearl Gourami.
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Clown Killifish feeding and care
How to feed
- Offer tiny floating foods at the surface.
- Feed live or frozen foods often, as many refuse to take dry food at first.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Males are more colorful, grow larger, and develop longer fins than females.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Nothobranchiidae
- Native to
- Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia
- Adult size
- 1.4 in (3.5 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social needs
- Schooling/Shoaling (6+)
- Diet
- Micro-Predator
- Water flow
- Low/Still
- Substrate
- Any
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Shrimp
- Adult Shrimp Only
- Fin nipping
- None
- Vulnerable to nippers
- Yes
- Breeding
- Moderate
Clown Killifish FAQ
What size tank do Clown Killifish need?
Our sourced minimum is 11 US gallons (41 liters), with a footprint of 45 x 30 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Clown Killifish should I keep?
Keep at least 8 fish. Bigger groups usually look better and behave more confidently.
What can live with Clown Killifish?
Good matches on our list include Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra and Ember Tetra. Avoid Endler's Livebearer and Platy.
How long do Clown Killifish live?
Lifespan is not well documented for this species. Stable water and a good diet help any animal live longer.
What do clown killifish eat?
Mostly tiny live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp and daphnia. Many learn to take small dry foods with patience.
Where to buy Clown Killifish
Stores that list it under the same scientific name as this page. We earn nothing from these links. We have not bought from them, so check each store's own terms.
We have not found a store that sells Clown Killifish under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
The essentials for a small, gently filtered tank.
Tank size for this species
At least 11 US gallons (41 L), 45 x 30 cm footprint
Filter
Air-driven sponge filter
Gentle flow that small fish and long fins can handle, plus a safe home for good bacteria.
Aquarium Co-Op Coarse Sponge Filter (Small) US
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter US
Tetra Brillant Filter Spain
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter Spain
Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 10-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 25 W at 5 gallons, 50 W at 10
Keeps a small tank stable. Adjustable models let you set the temperature your species needs. Size up for a cold room.
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater US
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 50 W US
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater Spain
Eheim Thermocontrol e 50 Heater Spain
Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 10-Gallon Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.