Species profile

Clown Killifish

Epiplatys annulatus

Common names: Clown Killifish, Rocket Killifish, Rocket Panchax, Banded Panchax, Clown Killie

Recognized speciesKillifish

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Adult size

Up to 3.5 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

A small, well-kept nano tank
A mature, stable aquarium

Think carefully if

You only want to keep one or two, because this fish needs a group of 5 or more
Your tank is newly set up

A tiny, boldly banded killifish from West Africa, with a rocket-shaped tail on the male, and also called the Rocket or Banded Panchax. Keep a group of at least 5 in 40 litres or more.

Appearance and Identification

A tiny, boldly banded killifish from West Africa, with a rocket-shaped tail on the male, and also called the Rocket or Banded Panchax. It stays at the surface and suits a nano tank.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Males are far more colourful, with larger fins. Females are usually plain.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 80–120 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 50–75 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 40 litres
Minimum tank length: 45 cm
Minimum group size: 5
Recommended group size: 8
Activity level: Moderate
Flow preference: Low
Planting preference: Heavily planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Moderate

A small, dark, densely planted tank with a tight lid suits most killifish, as they are strong jumpers. Filtration should be gentle.

Behaviour and Tankmates

A jewel-like small fish, with males displaying to rivals and to females.

Often kept as one male with several females, because males can fight.

Males can be quarrelsome with each other.

Best in a species tank, or with small, peaceful fish. Avoid fin nippers. It may eat baby shrimp. Choose its tankmates with care.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 20–26 °C
pH: 4–7
GH: 1–8
Stability importance: Very important

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

Parameter caveat

Add this fish only to a mature, fully cycled tank, and keep up regular water changes.

Feeding

Diet types: Carnivore, Insectivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Small live foodsMany killifish prefer these and may ignore dried food.
Frozen bloodworm and brine shrimpA good everyday alternative.

Prefers small live and frozen foods.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Breeding

Breeding type: Egg Scatterer
Breeding difficulty: Easy
Parental care: None
Baby foods: InfusoriaNeeded for the first days, because most fry are very small.
Newly hatched brine shrimpIntroduce as soon as the fry can take it.

An egg scatterer with no parental care. Adults eat eggs and fry, so use a separate tank with fine plants, moss or mesh on the bottom, and remove the adults after spawning. The fry need very small foods at first.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Africa, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone
Natural habitat: Brackish Water, Freshwater Stream, River, Swamp
Aquarium contexts: Nano Aquarium, Planted Aquarium
Audience level: Intermediate

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Epiplatys
Family: Nothobranchiidae
Species group: Fish, Killifish

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Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Think carefully if

Appearance and Identification

Tank Requirements

Behaviour and Tankmates

Water Parameters

Feeding

Breeding

Habitat and Origin

Classification

Have you kept this species?

Other Killifish

Eggers Killifish

Gabon Killifish

Gardneri Killifish

Golden Wonder Panchax

Guides for keeping this fish

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