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Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
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
To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.
Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.
To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.
