Clown Killifish
Clown Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus) is one of the most extraordinary-looking nano fish in the hobby. The cylindrical body is marked with bold alternating dark and pale bands running the length of the fish — a striking candy-stripe or bumblebee pattern — while the caudal fin develops spectacular vivid red, blue, and yellow banding in males. At under 1.5 inches, it combines maximum visual impact with minimum size. Epiplatys killifish are non-annual species that live in permanent water bodies and have considerably longer lifespans than the annual Nothobranchius group — 2–4 years in good conditions. They are surface-oriented fish that lurk under floating vegetation waiting to ambush prey.
Feeding & Care Tip: Killifish are carnivores that thrive on a varied diet of frozen and freeze-dried foods. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, and Hikari Frozen Daphnia form the core diet — offer variety rather than relying on a single food. Hikari Micro Pellets are accepted by most killifish as a dry staple. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. Varied feeding is especially important for annual species given their compressed lifespan.
Native to West Africa — Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and surrounding coastal areas. Inhabits slow-moving to still waters with dense surface vegetation — streams, swamps, and forest pools. Floating plants are important in the aquarium both as cover and as the surface zone this genus naturally occupies. Soft, slightly acidic water with tannin additions is ideal.
Keep one male with two or more females. Males can be territorial with each other but are peaceful with other species. Surface-oriented — they spend most time in the top inch or two of the aquarium. Dense floating plant cover is essential for their comfort and natural behavior.
Breeding is straightforward compared to annual killifish — eggs are deposited on plants, spawning mops, or fine substrate and receive no parental care. Remove eggs or fry to a separate container to prevent predation. No dry period is required — eggs can be incubated in water. Eggs are deposited on plants or spawning mops near the surface and can be collected and incubated separately.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — surface specialist |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 1 male with 2+ females |
| Ideal Temp | 72–79°F (22–26°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | West Africa — Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and surrounding coastal areas |
| Notes | Bold alternating dark-and-pale body banding. Vivid multi-color caudal fin in males. Non-annual. Nano only — any larger fish will eat it. |
