Clown Killifish Care: Tank Setup, Feeding, Mates & Breeding

Clown Killifish, also known as Rocket Killifish, are one of the most eye-catching nano fish in the aquarium hobby. With their torpedo-shaped bodies, banded patterns, and flowing tail fins, they’re a joy to watch dart around the top of the tank. Even better? They’re peaceful, hardy, and fit beautifully into planted and nano aquariums.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping Clown Killifish healthy and activefrom tank setup to feeding, behavior, and even breeding.

About the Clown Killifish

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Epiplatys annulatus
Common Names: Clown Killifish, Rocket Killifish, Banded Panchax
Adult Size: Around 1.2 to 1.5 inches
Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Zone: Surface dweller

Clown Killifish are native to shallow, slow-moving water in West Africa. Their bold stripes and tail that fans out like a rocket trail make them look like tiny aquatic fireworks.

Ideal Tank Setup for Clown Killifish

Minimum Tank Size

Because they’re small, Clown Killifish do well in 5–10 gallon tanks. A 5-gallon tank is fine for a small group, but if you want to keep them with other fish or breed them, go for a larger planted setup.

Want more nano-friendly species? See our Small Aquarium Fish list.

Water Parameters

Parameter	Ideal Range
Temperature	72–78°F (22–26°C)
pH	6.0–7.5
Hardness	Soft to moderate

Use a heater in colder months and test water weekly to keep conditions stable.

Filtration and Flow

These fish come from still or slow-moving streams, so avoid strong current. A sponge filter is perfect—it keeps the water clean while maintaining gentle flow.

Décor and Lighting

Clown Killifish love cover near the water surface.

Use floating plants like Salvinia or Frogbit
Add fine-leaved plants like Hornwort or Water Sprite
A dark substrate makes their colors stand out more
Leaf litter or driftwood can help mimic their natural habitat

A low to medium light setup works best. Too much brightness can stress them out.

Feeding Clown Killifish

Diet Basics

These fish have tiny mouths, so food size matters.

Best foods: baby brine shrimp, micro worms, daphnia
Dry food: micro pellets or crushed flakes (only if small enough)
Live/frozen food is ideal for color and breeding health

They naturally eat insects and larvae at the water’s surface—so offer floating food whenever possible.

Feeding Tips

Feed them 1–2 small meals a day. Avoid overfeeding, especially in small tanks where excess food can quickly foul the water.

Need help with feeding? Check out our Fish Feeding Tips.

Clown Killifish Tank Mates

Clown Killifish are peaceful and shy, so keep them with other gentle nano species.

Good Tank Mates

Chili Rasboras
Ember Tetras
Pygmy Corydoras
Dwarf Shrimp (Neocaridina or Amano)

What to Avoid

Aggressive fish
Fast swimmers (like Danios)
Large species that may see them as food
Fin nippers

Always avoid overcrowding. These fish need calm, open swimming space near the surface.

Explore more peaceful species in our Community Fish Guide.

Breeding Clown Killifish

Breeding Clown Killifish can be a fun project—especially in a species-only tank.

Breeding Tank Setup

Use a separate 5–10 gallon tank
Add spawning mops or Java moss for egg laying
Maintain warm temps around 75°F
Use a gentle sponge filter and keep the lighting soft

Spawning Behavior

Males display their colors and “dance” for females. Females lay sticky eggs on plant leaves or mops.

Caring for Eggs and Fry

Eggs hatch in 10–14 days
Remove adults after spawning if needed
Feed fry infusoria or vinegar eels for the first few days
Then move to baby brine shrimp

Fry are tiny and grow slowly, so patience is key. Frequent small water changes help them thrive.

Common Health Issues

Clown Killifish are hardy if water quality is maintained. Still, here’s what to watch for:

Potential Issues

Fin rot – often caused by poor water conditions
Bacterial infections – linked to overcrowding or dirty tanks
Stress – from aggressive tank mates or poor parameters

Prevention Tips

Keep their water clean with regular small water changes
Use a quarantine tank for new fish
Feed a balanced, varied diet

Are Clown Killifish Right for You?

If you love nano tanks, natural aquascapes, and peaceful fish, Clown Killifish are a great choice. They’re small, hardy, and full of personality when kept in groups.

Here’s what makes them a good fit:

Can live in small tanks
Peaceful and great for community setups
Breed easily in the right conditions
Don’t require fancy equipment

They’re also great for beginners who want something unique and eye-catching.

FAQs

Are Clown Killifish easy to care for?
Yes! They’re beginner-friendly as long as you maintain clean water and avoid aggressive tank mates.

Do Clown Killifish jump?
Yes. Always use a tight-fitting lid—they’re surface swimmers and curious by nature.

Can I keep them alone?
They’re best kept in groups of 4–6. A lone fish may become stressed or shy.

How long do they live?
They typically live 3–5 years with proper care.Do they do well in blackwater tanks?
Yes! They come from blackwater environments and thrive with leaf litter and low lighting.