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Maximum size : 3.5 cm

Clown Killifish - Epiplatys annulatus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

Clown Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus) are a delightful species of small, colourful, and peaceful fish that thrive in nano or planted aquariums. To showcase the full extent of their lively behaviour, it is recommended to keep them in larger groups, which will lead to more exciting social interactions.

While these fish are compatible with other peaceful species, they are not recommended for community aquariums due to their small size and specialised requirements. Instead, consider small Tetras, smaller Cyprinids, Dwarf Gouramis, Catfish, Loaches, and many smaller Cichlid species as suitable companions.

In an aquarium setting, Clown Killifish will appear their best in heavily planted setups or natural-style arrangements, which incorporate sandy substrates, driftwood branches, and roots. The addition of dried leaves, such as Indian Almond or Beech, enhances the natural ambience and provides additional cover for the fish. In terms of lighting, Clown Killifish thrive under dimmer conditions, and aquatic plants that can tolerate such conditions are recommended. Additionally, they will appreciate the presence of floating vegetation.

Clown Killifish exhibit subtle variations in colour and pattern depending on their origin, with distinct variations in the unpaired fins. They have a torpedo-shaped body, an upside-down mouth, and a round head. Their natural colour is cream, featuring four thick, vertical black bands along the flanks, starting from behind the head, and a bright spot on top of the head between their bright blue eyes.

Their dorsal fin begins just before the end of the anal fin and extends far back on the body. The spade-shaped caudal fin has elongated centre rays that can be as long as the rest of the caudal rays. The anal fin may or may not have a red margin away from the centre of the body, while in some individuals, the dorsal and anal fins can appear orange or yellow.

Clown Killifish Photos

Sexual Dimorphism

Distinguishing between male and female Clown Killifish is a relatively simple process. Males are characterized by their anal fins, which can display red, blue, red outlined in blue, or blue outlined in red hues. Additionally, their ventral fins may appear bright red, bright orange, pale red, or clear.

In contrast, females are typically smaller in size, exhibit less pronounced fin extensions, and have less vibrant colouration. Their caudal and dorsal fins are often transparent, with faint red or yellow extended rays along their length. The ventral and anal fins of females may also be transparent in appearance.

Male Female

Quick Facts

Scientific Name	Epiplatys annulatus
Year Described	1915
Other Names	Banded Panchax, Rocket Killifish
Kingdom	Animalia
Classification	Actinopterygii
Order	Cyprinodontiformes
Family	Nothobranchiidae
Genus	Epiplatys
Origins	Liberia , Sierra Leone , Guinea
Max Size	3.5 cm
Temperament	Peaceful
Aquarium Level	Top
Difficulty	Beginner - Intermediate
Shoaling	No
Best kept as	Groups 5+
Diet & Feeding	Omnivore
Reproduction	Egg-Scatterer
Average Lifespan	Up to 2 Years

Water Parameters

Water Type	Freshwater
pH	4.0 - 7.0
GH	0 - 5
TDS	18 -143

Ideal Temperature
℉	68 - 79
℃	20 - 26

Natural Habitat

The Clown Killifish can be found in Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as in southern Guinea in West Africa. These stunning fish prefer to dwell in very shallow, warm, soft, and acidic waters that move at a leisurely pace. You can spot them in a variety of environments, such as swamps, streams, small rivers, savannas, and tropical rainforests, where they seek refuge amidst the aquatic plants and dense marginal vegetation. While most Clown Killifish habitats are freshwater, it's worth noting that they can also thrive in slightly brackish conditions at select locations.

Breeding

The successful breeding of Clown Killifish can be achieved through the establishment of a species-only aquarium, which allows for the fish to lay their eggs, hatch, and mature without the risk of predation. However, if adults are housed within a community tank, it is advisable to provide a separate aquarium for breeding purposes. Setting up a breeding aquarium is a straightforward process and can be achieved by providing a suitable medium for the fish to deposit their eggs. Examples of such media include mosses, floating plant roots, and spawning mops, all of which are adequate for this purpose.

Breeders may choose to use a single male with two or more females or a breeding pair, with some opting to remove and replace the medium every few days and incubate and hatch the eggs elsewhere. Generally, an incubation period of 9 to 12 days can be expected, and if the plants used are mature, the fry can survive on naturally present microorganisms.

Initially, the fry will require microscopic foods such as infusoria, rotifers, or paramecium, and subsequently, they will be able to accept baby brine shrimp and microworms after about a week. Although adult Clown Killifish do not typically predate their offspring, older fry may consume younger fry, necessitating their removal to a separate environment as soon as they reach an adequate size.

Diet & Feeding

In a home aquarium setting, Clown Killifish are known to readily accept high-quality flakes and granules of an appropriate size. However, to ensure optimal health and vibrant colouration, it is important to supplement their diet with a daily intake of small live and frozen food options. Offering a diverse selection of fare, such as daphnia, artemia, bloodworms, tubifex, grindal worm, and Moina, will help maintain the overall health of the fish while also accentuating their natural colouration. Varying their diet in this manner ensures that their nutritional needs are met while also promoting the best possible colours in the fish.

Videos

Other Killifish