The Clown Killifish (Epiplatys Annulatus), also known as the Rocket Killifish or Banded Panchax, is a small and peaceful freshwater fish native to slow-moving waters and swamps of West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. This species is highly sought after for its vibrant vertical body stripes and a rocket-shaped tail marked by intense red, blue, or yellow hues, especially in males. Unlike many killifish that are annual and have short lifespans, Clown Killifish are non-annual and live much longer, making them more beginner-friendly. At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Clown Killifish for sale are tank-breed, grown, and sold with love and care. Visit our fish store online or aquarium in Virginia for more high-quality freshwater fish for sale. We have a lot more fish available such as betta fish for sale, aquatic plants for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, freshwater snails for sale, and other aquarium supplies. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH: Colorful Appearance: Expect bold vertical stripes and rocket-shaped tails—males are especially vibrant with red, blue, and yellow. Peaceful Nature: Gentle and calm, ideal for nano tanks and peaceful community setups. Top-Level Swimmers: They stay near the surface, adding activity to the upper tank zone. Easy to Breed: Simple to spawn in planted tanks; fry hatch in 10–14 days with minimal intervention. Secure Lid Needed: They’re jumpers! Always use a tight-fitting lid to prevent escapes. RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS: Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C) pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5 Hardness: 1 – 10 dGH Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons for a small group (10 gallons recommended) Filtration: Low-flow sponge filter or nano filter Lighting: Low to moderate lighting; floating plants recommended CARE GUIDELINES: Diet: Although omnivorous, Clown Killifish are micropredators and thrive on a protein-rich fish food. They readily accept live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms, and Cyclops. They can also eat high-quality micro pellets and freeze-dried foods, though live options are best for long-term health and color. Feeding habits: These fish have very small mouths and feed near the surface, so offer fine, floating foods. Feed small amounts once or twice daily, focusing on micro-sized live or frozen foods to enhance activity and coloration. Social behavior: Peaceful and shy, Clown Killifish do best in pairs or small harems (1 male to 2–3 females). In larger tanks, they can be kept in small groups. They are top-dwellers and should be housed with calm, non-aggressive tank mates to prevent stress. Origin: Slow-moving freshwater habitats in West Africa (Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia) Average adult size: 1.0 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 4 cm), making them ideal for nano tanks or small community aquariums. Clown Killifish Frequently Asked Questions FAQs How big do Clown Killifish get? Clown Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus) typically grow to an average adult size of 1.0 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm). Males are often slightly slimmer and more colorful with longer, rocket-shaped tail fins. Females are rounder-bodied but slightly shorter in length. Their small size makes them perfect for nano tanks, but they still need quality water and gentle tank mates to thrive. How many Clown Killifish should be kept together? In nano tanks (5–10 gallons): Keep a pair or a harem (1 male with 2–3 females) to prevent male aggression and encourage natural behavior. In larger tanks (10+ gallons): A group of 6 or more can be kept comfortably, with multiple females for each male to reduce territorial tension. Are Clown Killifish good for beginners? Yes! While they prefer soft water and calm tanks, they are hardy and easy to care for, making them beginner-friendly in the right setup.
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