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Here is a complete and detailed guide to the Clown Killifish, a tiny and colorful freshwater fish known for its striking markings and peaceful nature:
🐟 Clown Killifish – Full Information Guide
✅ Common Names:
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Clown Killifish
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Banded Panchax
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Rocket Killifish
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Rocket Panchax
🔬 Scientific Classification:
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Scientific Name: Epiplatys annulatus
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Family: Nothobranchiidae (formerly Aplocheilidae)
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Origin: West Africa – Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone
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Type: Freshwater killifish
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Habitat: Shallow, slow-moving streams, marshes, and heavily vegetated waters
📏 Appearance:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.5 – 3.5 cm (1 – 1.4 inches) |
| Coloration | Bold black and yellow vertical body stripes resembling a "clown" pattern |
| Tail | Bright red, orange, blue, or multicolored caudal fin with a distinctive rocket-like shape |
| Fins | Males have long, flowing dorsal and anal fins; females have shorter, rounded fins |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Males are more colorful and have extended finnage compared to females |
🧠 Temperament & Behavior:
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Peaceful and shy, especially in community tanks
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Best kept in species-only or nano community aquariums
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Loves to stay near the top of the tank
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Males may display but are not overly aggressive
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Active swimmers and fascinating to observe in small groups
🌡️ Aquarium Requirements:
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | Minimum 5–10 gallons for a group |
| Temperature | 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F) |
| pH Level | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Water Hardness | Soft to moderately hard (2 – 12 dGH) |
| Filtration | Gentle filter (sponge or air-driven) to avoid strong current |
| Substrate | Dark sand or fine gravel enhances colors |
| Plants | Dense vegetation with floating plants preferred |
| Décor | Driftwood, leaf litter, rocks – creates a natural feel |
| Lighting | Low to moderate; dim light enhances coloration |
| Lid | Essential – Clown Killifish are expert jumpers! |
🐠 Compatible Tank Mates:
| Suitable | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Small rasboras, ember tetras | Aggressive or fin-nipping fish |
| Pygmy corydoras | Large or fast-moving tank mates |
| Shrimp (with caution) | Any fish over 1.5 inches |
| Other peaceful nano fish | Guppies (can outcompete for food) |
Best kept in groups of 6+ with 1 male per 2–3 females to avoid male aggression and promote natural behavior.
🍽️ Diet:
| Type | Food Examples |
|---|---|
| Live/Frozen Foods | Daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, micro worms |
| Dry Food | High-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes |
| Feeding Tips | Feed small portions 1–2 times daily; prefers food near surface |
Small mouths = tiny food only. Live food enhances color and health.
🧬 Breeding:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Spawning Method | Egg-layer; scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants or moss |
| Breeding Setup | Separate tank with Java moss or spawning mops |
| Temperature | 24–26°C (75–79°F) optimal for breeding |
| Egg Collection | Adults may eat eggs; remove eggs or parents post-spawning |
| Incubation | Eggs hatch in 10–14 days |
| Fry Care | Feed infusoria, vinegar eels, then baby brine shrimp |
Clown Killis can spawn regularly in good conditions. No need to simulate dry seasons like annual killifish.
❤️ Health and Care Tips:
| Issue | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Fin rot | Clean water, low stress |
| Fungal infections | Soft, acidic water with gentle filtration |
| Jumping | Always use a tight lid |
| Malnutrition | Offer varied diet with plenty of live/frozen food |
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Perform small weekly water changes (20–30%)
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Avoid high nitrates and sudden changes in water chemistry
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Use water conditioner for chlorine/chloramine removal
🕰️ Lifespan:
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2 to 3 years in captivity with proper care
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Shorter lifespan than larger fish, typical of small killifish
🧾 Clown Killifish Quick Reference Table:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epiplatys annulatus |
| Size | 2.5 – 3.5 cm |
| Color | Yellow-black stripes, colorful tail |
| Temperament | Peaceful, timid |
| Diet | Micropredator – small live/frozen/dry foods |
| Tank Size | 5–10 gallons or more |
| Breeding | Easy – egg-scatterer |
| Lifespan | 2–3 years |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Swimming Zone | Top level |
🌟 Highlights of Clown Killifish:
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🎨 Bright and beautiful markings – a visual centerpiece in nano aquariums
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🐠 Top-level swimmers, rarely seen in mid-bottom levels
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👪 Great for peaceful community tanks or biotopes
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🐣 Easy to breed with the right setup
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💧 Soft, acidic water mimics their natural West African habitat
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