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Clown Killifish

Epiplatys annulatus (Boulenger, 1915)

Also called Rocket killifish, Banded panchax, Clown killi, Pseudepiplatys annulatus

SpeciesShort profile

From West Africa: coastal lowlands of Guinea, Sierra Leone and north-western Liberia, in swamps and slow streams with plenty of edge vegetation.123

At a glance the quick version

Length3.5 to 4 cm12
Sizesmall

Seriously Fish 3.5 cm SL; FishBase 4 cm TL

Peaceful nano fish
Bold banded pattern
Fairly easy to breed
1

Looks how to spot one

Scaled, tiny surface-dwelling killifish

A tiny, pale fish crossed by broad dark bands that alternate with creamy yellow ones. Males are larger and more colourful with longer fins, and some populations show yellow markings on the fins.13

ColoursCream to yellow bodyBroad dark bandsYellow fin markings in some populations1

Personality what they are like

Calm and peaceful, but shy and small, so it does best in a quiet tank with similarly tiny, gentle fish that like the same soft water.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A quiet fish that becomes bolder and more interesting to watch in a bigger group.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs soft, acidic water and very small foods. A mature, planted tank suits it well.1

Home where they are happiest

Minimum tank base about 45 x 30 cm (around 40 litres). Temperature about 20-26 °C (FishBase 23-25 °C), pH 4.0-7.0, hardness 1-8 dGH. Plenty of plants mirror the vegetated edges of its wild home.12

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Micropredator with a tiny mouth. Feed baby brine shrimp, daphnia, grindal worms and finely crushed dry food.1

Company who they like around

Fairly sociable; keep a group of at least 8-10.1

The story where it all began

George Albert Boulenger described it in 1915 from Sierra Leone, near the mouth of the Moa river. It has moved through several genera since and is now placed in Epiplatys.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its species name refers to the ring-like bands around its body.3

  2. 2

    In a mature planted tank, fry can find their first meals among naturally occurring tiny organisms.1

  3. 3

    Colour details differ from one wild population to another.1

  4. 4

    It grows to only about 3.5-4 cm long.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed April 2020)2
Taxonomy
Family Nothobranchiidae; described by Boulenger in 1915 as Haplochilus annulatus; formerly Pseudepiplatys3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Clown Killifish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Clown Killifish?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Because they have tiny mouths, offer very small foods like baby brine shrimp or finely crushed dry food.1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Clown Killifish eat, and what should it never eat?

They are micropredators and eat baby brine shrimp, daphnia, grindal worms, and finely crushed dry food. Never give large or hard foods that could choke them or foul the water. Always check with a vet or good breeder for specific concerns.1

How much space does a Clown Killifish need?

A minimum tank base of about 45 x 30 cm, which is around 40 litres. They are shy and do best in a planted tank with calm tankmates.1

What temperature, light or water does a Clown Killifish need?

Keep water temperature between 20-26°C (FishBase suggests 23-25°C), pH 4.0-7.0, and hardness 1-8 dGH. Soft, acidic water with plenty of plants is ideal. Check temperature daily as per Furry Diary's plan.12 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Clown Killifish's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. Regular water testing each week helps keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Clown Killifish live with others?

Yes, they are calm and peaceful but shy. Keep a group of at least 8-10 of their own kind, and only with similarly tiny, gentle fish that like soft water. Avoid larger or boisterous tankmates.1

How long does a Clown Killifish live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific details, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet, as this information is not provided in the sources.

Can I handle a Clown Killifish?

No, handling is not recommended. They are delicate, tiny fish that can be easily stressed or injured. Always use a soft net if you need to move them.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Seriously Fish: Epiplatys annulatus (Clown Killifish) seriouslyfish.comused for names, range, habitat, size, tank, water, diet, behaviour, group, colours, breeding
  2. FishBase: Epiplatys annulatus, Banded panchax fishbase.seused for author and year, distribution, length, environment, IUCN status
  3. Wikipedia: Epiplatys annulatus en.wikipedia.orgused for synonyms, type locality, name meaning

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.