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Clown killifish or clown killi belongs to the family of African rivuline indigenous to different parts of West Africa. George Albert Boulenger described them as Haplochilus annulatus in 1915, though finally, Epiplatys annulatus became its generic name. In Latin “epi” refers to above, “platys” means on top of, while “annulatus” translates to a ring or lateral pattern, perfectly justifying the fish’s banded appearance.
| Scientific Name | Epiplatys annulatus |
| Other Names | Clown killi, banded panchax, rocket killifish |
| Origin | Freshwater regions of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea |
| Type | Freshwater |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (by the IUCN) |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Peaceful, active, cooperative, but has a solitary nature; male-male aggression seen between two clown killifish species |
| School Size | Not perfect for schooling as they like to remain by themselves; yet may be kept in pairs |
| Physical Traits | Elongated body, round head, upturned mouth, spade-shaped caudal fin, and long central rays |
| Colors | Cream body with four vertically arranged black bands starting behind their head. The coloration of the fins vary in both the sexes Males: Cream, light red or bluish-red dorsal fins; sky blue caudal fins; bluish or reddish anal fins and extended bright red middle rays Females: Clear dorsal and caudal fins; red, yellow or pale orange extended rays |
| Size (How big do they get) | Small; 1.2 to 1. 4 inches (3 to 3.5 cm) |
| Lifespan | 2 – 5 years |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Present; Males: Big, brightly-colored with pronounced stripes; Females: Smaller, subdued coloration with less prominent markings |
| Probable Diseases | Ich, dropsy |
| Approximate Price (How much is it for) | $15 – 20 |
| Care Level | Beginners to intermediate |
| Tank Size | 5 gallons (18.92 liters) for 2 to 3 fish |
Water Parameters
| pH Level | 4.0 – 7.0 |
| Temperature | 68° to 79°F (20 to 26°C) |
| Hardness | 4 – 8 dGH |
| Aquarium Water Flow | Slow |
Tank Ambience
| Lighting | Dim, low |
| Substrate Type | Sand, driftwood, and plants |
| Tank Mates | Compatible with: Varieties of smaller barbs, tetras, gouramis, minnows, danios, and plecos Incompatible with: Big, aggressive species as well as shrimps since they consider the latter their food |
| Suitable Position in the Tank | Top |
Feeding
| Diet | Live and frozen foods like daphnia, bloodworm, and tubifex |
| Frequency | 2-3 times a day |
The clown killifish is named so as it replicates a clown’s getup with its bright, vibrant coloration, thus getting their name. On the other hand, killifish is a Dutch word, meaning a small stream, which is the habitat of these fish.
