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The Clown Killifish is a small and colorful freshwater fish that is highly sought after by aquarium enthusiasts. These fish are known for their unique coloring, peaceful temperament, and ease of care, making them a great addition to any community tank.
Appearance
The Clown Killifish is a small fish, typically growing up to 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) in length. They have a slender and elongated body shape, with a distinctive pattern of bright red and white stripes running along their body. The males have more vibrant coloring in the fins, with longer fins and brighter stripes, while the females are slightly smaller and have more muted coloring.
Natural environment
The Clown Killifish is native to the shallow waters of West Africa, where they are found in slow-moving streams, rivers, and marshes. They are most commonly found in warm, tropical environments, and prefer water temperatures between 23 and 27 degrees Celsius (73-80 °F). In the wild, they typically live in small groups and are known to be highly adaptable to a variety of water conditions.
Behavior
Clown Killifish are peaceful and social fish that enjoy swimming in small groups. They are known for their curious and active nature, making them a joy to watch in the aquarium. They are also hardy and can be kept with a variety of other fish species, including tetras, guppies, and rasboras.
Reproduction & life span
Clown Killifish are egg layers, which means that they lay their eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Breeding them is relatively easy, and they don’t require any special conditions for breeding. They are not known to be particularly aggressive during breeding, so it is safe to keep several pairs in the same tank.
Killifish have a relatively short lifespan of around one to two years. They reach sexual maturity at about three to four months old and are known to breed quite easily in captivity.
Diet
Clown Killifish are carnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. They are also known to enjoy small live foods such as insect larvae, making them a great choice for tanks with a small growth of insects.
Keeping a Clown Killifish
Clown Killifish are easy to care for and are a great choice for beginners. They are hardy and can thrive in a wide range of water conditions, but should be kept in an aquarium with a water temperature between 23 and 27 °C (73-80 °F). They should be kept in small groups of at least three fish, and a 40 liters (10 gallons) aquarium is suitable for a small group. It’s also important to provide them with hiding places such as rocks or plants, which will make them feel more secure.
| Scientific name | Pseudoepiplatys annulatus |
| Type of aquarium | Freshwater |
| Size | 4 cm / 1.5 inches |
| Region | West Africa |
| Ideal tank size | At least 40 liters / 10 gallons |
| Ideal water temperature | 23-27 °C / 73-80 °F |
| pH | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Diet | Carnivores: flakes, pellets, live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia, live foods |
| Schooling | No, but can be kept in groups |
