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Epiplatys annulatus – A Comprehensive Guide (Clown Killifish / Rocket Killifish)

The Clown Killifish, Epiplatys annulatus, is one of the coolest nano fish you can add to a small tank—and it doesn’t even use the whole tank to do it.

These guys live almost exclusively at the surface, which already makes them different from most fish people keep. Add in:

  • Bold horizontal striping
  • Bright red/orange fins
  • That rocket-shaped body

…and you get something that stands out instantly, especially in a planted nano setup.

They’re small, they’re unique, and they bring life to a part of the tank that’s usually empty.

Origin & Habitat

This species comes from West Africa, where it’s found in:

  • Shallow forest streams
  • Slow-moving waters
  • Flooded areas with dense vegetation

Natural conditions include:

  • Very calm water
  • Heavy plant cover
  • Low light from canopy shading

They’re built for:

  • Still water
  • Surface zones
  • Dense environments

Size

  • Adult Size: ~1 to 1.25 inches
  • Body Type: Slender, surface-oriented

They stay tiny—but don’t feel like “nothing fish” because of their color and behavior.

Tank Size

  • Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
  • Recommended: 10 gallons

More important than size:

  • Surface area
  • Calm water
  • Cover

They don’t use the bottom much at all.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 72–78°F
  • pH: 5.5–7.0
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately soft

They do best in:

  • Stable, calm water
  • Slightly softer conditions

They’re not extremely fragile—but they don’t like swings.

Temperament

  • Peaceful
  • Slightly shy
  • Non-aggressive

Best kept in groups.

Group size

  • Minimum: 6
  • Ideal: 8–12

Males may:

  • Display to each other
  • Chase lightly

But nothing serious.

Tank Setup

This is where you either get the most out of them… or barely see them.

Ideal setup

  • Heavily planted tank
  • Floating plants (very important)
  • Low to moderate lighting
  • Minimal flow

Why this matters

They live at the surface, so:

  • Floating plants = security
  • Calm water = natural behavior

No cover at the top = stressed, hidden fish.

Think:

Still, shaded, plant-heavy nano tank

Diet

They’re micro-predators, and this is where some people struggle.

Preferred foods

  • Live foods (baby brine shrimp, microworms)
  • Frozen foods (cyclops, baby brine)

Dry food

  • Some will take it
  • Many won’t initially

They have tiny mouths, so:

  • Food size matters
  • Variety helps a lot

Tank Mates

You have to be careful here.

Best option

  • Species-only tank

Possible tank mates

  • Other tiny, peaceful fish:
    • Chili rasboras
    • Micro rasboras
    • Small shrimp

Avoid

  • Larger fish
  • Fast eaters
  • Anything that will outcompete them at feeding time

Big issue:

They stay at the surface and can get outcompeted easily

Behavior

  • Surface-dwelling
  • Hovering and darting
  • Light territorial display between males

They spend most of their time:

  • Near floating plants
  • Watching for food
  • Moving in short bursts

It’s a very different kind of activity compared to midwater schooling fish.

Breeding

Very doable—and often happens naturally.

Spawning basics

  • Egg scatterers
  • Eggs deposited in floating plants
  • No parental care

To encourage breeding:

  • Provide dense floating plants
  • Feed live foods
  • Maintain stable conditions

They’ll often spawn without much intervention if they’re comfortable.

I have spawned these in heavily planted tanks. The denser the plants, the higher fry survival rate. 

Why They’re Underrated

Two main reasons:

1. They’re small

People assume they’re “filler fish”

2. Feeding scares people off

They’re not as plug-and-play as flakes-and-go fish

But once established:

  • They’re hardy
  • They’re active
  • They bring a totally different dynamic to the tank

Final Thoughts

If you want:

  • A true nano fish
  • Something unique that uses the top of the tank
  • A species that stands out without needing size

Clown Killifish are an awesome choice.

They’re small—but they change the entire feel of a tank.

Looking to Add Fish to Your Aquarium?

If you're looking to add new fish to your aquarium, we recommend purchasing from trusted retailers known for their healthy livestock and excellent selection. The Wet Spot Tropical Fish has one of the best selections of rare and high-quality freshwater fish in the hobby, with excellent shipping and consistently healthy stock. Moonlight Aquatics is another fantastic source, especially for uncommon species and great prices on unique fish you don’t see everywhere. If you’re looking to add shrimp to your tanks, Buy Pet Shrimp specializes in hardy, well-bred freshwater shrimp that ship safely and arrive in great condition.

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Other Nano Fish: Black Tiger Badis, Dwarf Rasbora, Ember Tetra

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