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Epiplatys annulatus
An ultra-small killifish with black-yellow stripes and distinctive rocket-shaped tail fin.
The clown killifish (Epiplatys annulatus), also known as the banded panchax, is a tiny surface-dwelling killifish native to small streams, ponds, and marshes of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia in West Africa. At 3–4 cm, it features a pale yellow-green body with black vertical bands and a remarkable rocket-shaped tail fin with blue, red, and orange rays fanning outward — a color combination of exceptional beauty for such a small fish. It is ideally suited to small aquariums (20-cm cube and up) and prefers calm or still water; strong filtration flow should be avoided. Floating plants provide security and serve as anchor points for bubble nests. Diet requires appropriately small foods: powder foods, frozen baby brine shrimp, and daphnia. Breeding is remarkably easy — eggs are deposited in floating plant roots or fine moss, and hatching fry, though tiny, can be raised on infusoria and powdered fry food. An excellent choice for nano setups and botanical aquariums.
The Clown Killifish lives 2-3 years.
The Clown Killifish grows to 3-4cm.
The ideal temperature for the Clown Killifish is 22〜26℃.
Slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.0) at 22–26°C is recommended.
Origin
streams and marshes of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, West Africa
Lifespan
2-3 years
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Epiplatys annulatus (Boulenger, 1915)
Synonyms: Aplocheilus annulatus (Boulenger, 1915), Haplochilus annulatus Boulenger, 1915, Panchax annulatus (Boulenger, 1915), Pseudepiplatys annulatus (Boulenger, 1915)
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / CITES Appendices (Checklist)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
3-4cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Frozen food, Pellets
Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
Maintain 22-26°C. A still-water surface dweller, it prefers gentle or no current.
Can be kept in small tanks from a 20 cm cube, and suits nano and bottle aquariums. Floating plants at the surface make it feel secure.
Being small, it does best on fine foods such as frozen brine shrimp and daphnia.
Very easy to breed; spawns on floating-plant roots and fine plants. The fry are tiny, so start them on infusoria or powdered food.
Swims near surface, use lid to prevent jumping
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Clown Killifish is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Clown Killifish is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Clown Killifish typically reaches 3-4cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Clown Killifish feeds on: Frozen food, Pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Clown Killifish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 24, 2026