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Clown Killifish
IntermediateEpiplatys annulatus
An ultra-small killifish with black-yellow stripes and distinctive rocket-shaped tail fin.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
22〜28℃
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Diet
Frozen food, Pellets
About
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. Slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.0) at 22–26°C is recommended. 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.
Basic Info
Origin
streams and marshes of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, West Africa
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Diet
Frozen food, Pellets
Care Guide
Water
Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
Care Specifications
- pH
- 6.5–7
- Hardness (GH)
- 1–8 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 23–25℃
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Easy
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
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.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / CITES Appendices (Checklist)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Clown Killifish Listings
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