All fish / Nothobranchiidae

Clown Killifish

Pseudepiplatys annulatus

Also known as clown killi, rocket killifish, rocket panchax, banded panchax, epiplatys annulatus, clown panchax, rocket killi, クラウンキリー, 火箭鳉, 小丑鳉

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A tiny surface-dwelling killifish with broad black and cream bands and a flared tail fin streaked in red, yellow and blue on males. It is kept for its striking looks and calm habits, and suits planted nano tanks with floating plants and gentle flow.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

20 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, ideally with more females than males

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms and crushed flake

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 3 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

West Africa: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and western Ivory Coast

Breeding

Adults scatter eggs among floating plants or spawning mops over several weeks, and the eggs hatch in about 10 to 14 days. Breeding is fairly easy in a heavily planted species tank, but the fry are very small and need infusoria before they can take baby brine shrimp.

Good to know

Its very small size makes it easy prey for larger fish and it may slip into filter intakes, so keep it with tiny peaceful companions. It jumps readily, so a tight-fitting lid is needed. Many references still list it as Epiplatys annulatus.