
Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Family: Nothobranchiidae • Origin: Various
Clown Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus) is a peaceful killifish reaching 1.5 inches. Keep in groups of 4+. Minimum tank size: 5 gallons.
Is Clown Killifish Right for Your Tank?
Clown Killifish is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "intermediate" difficulty (2/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 5 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.
With a peaceful temperament, Clown Killifish makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 4 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 2 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Clown Killifish
Keeping fewer than 4 together
Clown Killifish is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 4 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.
Putting them in a tank under 5 gallons
While 5 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (8 gal) is much more forgiving.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 1.5 inches
- • Temperature: 72-79°F
- • pH: 6-7
- • Schooling — keep 4+ together
- • peaceful temperament — safe with community fish
Feeding: Standard carnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Nothobranchiidae species.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Nothobranchiidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 5 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 8 gallons
- Swimming Level
- top
- Minimum School Size
- 4+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–79°F
- pH Range
- 6–7
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- carnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical peaceful Nothobranchiidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 2 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
View all →
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi

Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi

Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae

Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Similar Species

Nothobranchius Rachovii
Nothobranchius rachovii

Red Striped Killifish
Aphyosemion striatum

Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila

Aphyosemion Australe
Aphyosemion australe