If you are for colorful nano fish than Clown killifish is the best option for you. In this guide you will get to know about this vibrant color and elegant fish.
About Clown killifish
Clown killifish, its scientific name is Epiplatys annulatus. Some common names for this fish are banded panchax and rocket killifish. This fish originates in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Moreover, this fish belongs to the family of Nothobranchiidae.
This fish discussed as Haplochilus annulatus in 1915 by Geroge Albert Boulenger. The specific name of this fish annulatus is Latin word which refer the “ring” pattern.
| Scientific name | Epiplatys annulatus |
| Origin | West Africa |
| Tank parameters | 5 gallon |
| Temperature | 68-79 F |
| Compatibility | Community fish |
Appearance of Clown killifish
Clown killifish are consisder beginner friendly because of its active and hardy nature. This fish also known as freshwater rocket killifish. The name of this fish comes from its alternating bands which are dark brown and tannish yellow base color. Moreover, males tail have flame like color which gives them the rocket appearance.
This Epiplatys annulatus is from the family of Nothobranchiidae. It is an good choice for beginners and for experienced aquarist too, because it is famous for its vibrant tail color. Moreover, when it comes to size banded panchax is a nano fish that is 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in length. Moreover, the fish that are sold in stores are around 0.5 inches and don’t show their true colors. Such as, red, yellow, orange and blue color.
Characteristics of Clown killifish
Clown killifish is known for its four main characteristics:
- Color: display mixture of vibrant colors, like red, yellow, orange etc.
- Fins: there fins are translucent with the hints of color, which enhance their overall appearance.
- Body shape: they have streamlined shape, which helps them in swimming.
- Behaviour: this is a peaceful and social fish, they prefer to swim in small group.
Tank Parameters of Clown killifish
Clown killifish is the best beginner fish, they are priced for their characteristics like body shape and behaviour. Moreover, they are active and hardy and can live in cooler water temperature. As they native of West Africa, in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, survive in fresh water.
Their active nature and hardiness makes them best choice for the new and experienced fish keepers. However, the ideal tank size for this nano fish is 5 gallon, and larger. They come from the slow flowing water streams and swamps, so it is suggested that provide them with the gentle filter and low flow. Also add floating plants to cover the edges.
Temperature or pH level
Clown killifish are native of West Africa, they prefer to live in soft to moderately hard water. The pH level for water is 4.0-7.0, the soft acidic water, with the parameters of 68-79 degree fahrenhiets. Moreover, for opitamal health and breading pH level between 4.5-6.5 is prefer. They can also keep in unheated tank with cold water fish. The low water temperature can slow its metabolism and increase their life span. They usually live 2-3 years only. However, to keep your fish happy,the tank should be clean, well maintained, with stable water conditions.
Feeding
Clown killifish is a small size fish and have tiny mouth. They prefer to swim on surface, feed them with the tiny and floating food such as fry food, crushed flakes and frozen dried daphina. Moreover, they also prefer to eat sinking food such as baby brine shrimp, xtereme nano pellets and hikari micro pellet.
Breeding
With the right number of both genders makes the clown killifish breeding easy. Water should be clean and there should be lot of food then they scatter egg on floating plants and DIY spawning mops. For the survival of tank keep them in the breading tank and move the eggs in the breeding box for hatching to grow. The eggs will hatch 1 and 1/2 week then feed them with baby brine shrimp and powder fry food.
Conclusion
Clown killifish (Epiplatys annulatus), native of West Africa. It is an ideal freshwater beginner fish from the family of Nothobranchiidae. This is an tennish yellow fish with flame like tail.The males posses flame like tail and vibrant colors. Its peaceful nature and easy to care fish which makes them the good choice. They are hardy, they can live in cooler water tank conditions, maintained environment then they can survive in home aquarium. It is a peaceful, active and hardy nature fish brings charm and activity in tanks. However, with good care, cooler water conditions,and proper tiny diet, they live healthy and with long life span.
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