Clown Killifish Care Guide: Keeping the Rocket Killi

The Clown Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus), also called the Rocket Killifish or Banded Panchax, is one of the most charming nano fish you can keep. With its striped “bumblebee” body and the males’ brilliant red-and-blue “rocket exhaust” tail, this tiny surface-dweller packs huge personality into a fish that barely tops an inch. Here at Tropical Treasures in Cheyenne, it’s a favorite for planted nano tanks.

Don’t let the “killifish” name scare you off — the Clown Killi is far easier than the annual species and makes a wonderful little jewel for the right setup. Here’s everything you need to know.

Clown Killifish at a glance

Clown Killifish are a West African species that stay tiny — males reach about 1.2 inches, females a bit smaller. They’re peaceful, surface-oriented, and live in small groups. They’re a non-annual killifish, so they don’t need the dry-incubation cycle that scares many people away from the family. You can see our current stock on the Clown Killifish product page and browse the rest of our killifish collection.

Tank size & setup

Because they’re so small and stay near the surface, Clown Killifish thrive in nano tanks — a 5–10 gallon planted setup is perfect for a small group. The single most important detail is a tight-fitting lid: these fish are accomplished jumpers. Provide plenty of floating plants for cover and security, along with other live aquatic plants to make them feel at home. Gentle filtration is best, since they dislike strong current. For more nano-tank inspiration, see our best nano fish for planted tanks guide.

Water Parameters

Clown Killifish prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, with temperatures of 72–76°F, pH 5.5–7.0, and soft to moderately hard water. They appreciate stable, mature tanks and don’t need a heater in many homes thanks to their lower temperature preference. Always dechlorinate new water with a quality water conditioner before water changes.

Diet and Feeding

Their tiny upturned mouths mean food size matters most. Clown Killifish do best on small live and frozen foods — baby brine shrimp, micro worms, daphnia, and similar tiny morsels. Quality frozen foods are excellent, and many will take finely crushed flakes once settled. Because they feed at the surface, float their food rather than letting it sink.

Temperament and Tank Mates

Clown Killifish are peaceful and a little shy, so they’re best kept in a species tank or with equally tiny, gentle companions. Good tankmates include chili rasboras, pygmy rasboras, dwarf shrimp, and small snails — browse our nano fish and shrimp collections for ideas. Avoid larger or boisterous fish that will outcompete them at the surface or see them as a snack.

Breeding

Clown Killifish are continuous spawners that lay a few eggs at a time among fine-leaved or floating plants. In a well-planted, predator-free tank, fry often appear on their own. To raise more, move eggs or fry to a separate container and feed infusoria or vinegar eels until they’re large enough for baby brine shrimp. They’re a rewarding first killifish to breed.