Clown Panchax (Killifish) 1-3cm

Description

Clown Panchax Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus)

Small in size but bursting with personality, the Clown Panchax Killifish is famous for its striking black bands, golden body and colourful tail. Perfect for nano aquariums, this peaceful surface-dweller is a favourite among aquascapers and killifish enthusiasts alike.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Epiplatys annulatus
  • Common name: Clown Panchax Killifish, Rocket Killifish
  • Adult size: 3–4 cm
  • Tank size: 20L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Pairs or small groups in species or peaceful community aquariums

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You keep a planted nano aquarium.
  • You enjoy unique surface-dwelling fish.
  • You appreciate rare and colourful species.
  • You're interested in breeding killifish.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep large or boisterous fish.
  • Your aquarium has strong water flow.
  • You don't have a secure aquarium lid.
  • You want a highly active schooling fish.

Why choose Clown Panchax Killifish?

The Clown Panchax Killifish is one of the smallest and most colourful killifish available. Its golden body is decorated with bold black vertical bands, while mature males develop stunning red, blue and yellow highlights in their fins and tail, giving rise to the nickname "Rocket Killifish."

Naturally found in slow-moving streams and swamps of West Africa, these fish spend most of their time near the water's surface searching for tiny insects and other live foods. In the aquarium they appreciate floating plants, shaded areas and calm water, which encourages natural behaviour and enhances their brilliant colours.

Although peaceful, Clown Panchax are shy and can easily be outcompeted for food. They are best kept with other small, gentle species or in a dedicated nano aquarium where they can thrive.

Benefits

  • Beautiful gold, black and red colouration
  • Ideal for planted nano aquariums
  • Peaceful surface-dwelling species
  • Unique alternative to common nano fish
  • Suitable for dedicated breeding projects
  • Excellent display fish for aquascapes

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–26Β°C
  • pH: 5.5–7.2
  • Diet: Live foods, frozen foods and quality micro pellets
  • Water: Clean, soft to moderately hard water with gentle filtration
  • Setup: Heavily planted aquarium with floating plants, dark substrate and open surface areas
  • Lid: A tightly fitting lid is essential as they are capable jumpers.
  • Perform regular partial water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Chili Rasboras
  • Pygmy Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
  • Small peaceful shrimp
  • Micro Rasboras
NTA Insight:
Clown Panchax display their best colours in dimly lit aquariums with floating plants and dark substrates. They naturally feed from the surface, so offering floating or slowly sinking foods helps ensure they receive enough nutrition before faster mid-water fish consume it. A tightly fitting lid is essential, as they are excellent jumpers.

FAQ

How big do Clown Panchax Killifish grow?

Adults typically reach 3–4 cm, making them one of the smallest killifish species commonly available in the aquarium hobby.

Are Clown Panchax suitable for beginners?

They are best suited to hobbyists with some aquarium experience. While not difficult to keep, they appreciate stable water conditions, peaceful tank mates and high-quality foods.

Can Clown Panchax live in a community aquarium?

Yes, provided they are housed with very peaceful nano fish that will not outcompete them for food or harass them.

Will Clown Panchax breed in the aquarium?

Yes. They lay adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants, spawning mops and mosses. Fry are tiny and require microscopic foods before graduating to baby brine shrimp.

Do they need live food?

They readily accept frozen foods and quality micro pellets, but regular live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and microworms help maintain peak colour, health and breeding condition.

Clown Panchax (Killifish) 1-3cm

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SKU: CLOWNKILLIES

16 in stock  

$15.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Clown Panchax Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus)

    Small in size but bursting with personality, the Clown Panchax Killifish is famous for its striking black bands, golden body and colourful tail. Perfect for nano aquariums, this peaceful surface-dweller is a favourite among aquascapers and killifish enthusiasts alike.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Epiplatys annulatus
    • Common name: Clown Panchax Killifish, Rocket Killifish
    • Adult size: 3–4 cm
    • Tank size: 20L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Pairs or small groups in species or peaceful community aquariums

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You keep a planted nano aquarium.
    • You enjoy unique surface-dwelling fish.
    • You appreciate rare and colourful species.
    • You're interested in breeding killifish.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep large or boisterous fish.
    • Your aquarium has strong water flow.
    • You don't have a secure aquarium lid.
    • You want a highly active schooling fish.

    Why choose Clown Panchax Killifish?

    The Clown Panchax Killifish is one of the smallest and most colourful killifish available. Its golden body is decorated with bold black vertical bands, while mature males develop stunning red, blue and yellow highlights in their fins and tail, giving rise to the nickname "Rocket Killifish."

    Naturally found in slow-moving streams and swamps of West Africa, these fish spend most of their time near the water's surface searching for tiny insects and other live foods. In the aquarium they appreciate floating plants, shaded areas and calm water, which encourages natural behaviour and enhances their brilliant colours.

    Although peaceful, Clown Panchax are shy and can easily be outcompeted for food. They are best kept with other small, gentle species or in a dedicated nano aquarium where they can thrive.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful gold, black and red colouration
    • Ideal for planted nano aquariums
    • Peaceful surface-dwelling species
    • Unique alternative to common nano fish
    • Suitable for dedicated breeding projects
    • Excellent display fish for aquascapes

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–26Β°C
    • pH: 5.5–7.2
    • Diet: Live foods, frozen foods and quality micro pellets
    • Water: Clean, soft to moderately hard water with gentle filtration
    • Setup: Heavily planted aquarium with floating plants, dark substrate and open surface areas
    • Lid: A tightly fitting lid is essential as they are capable jumpers.
    • Perform regular partial water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Chili Rasboras
    • Pygmy Corydoras
    • Otocinclus
    • Small peaceful shrimp
    • Micro Rasboras
    NTA Insight:
    Clown Panchax display their best colours in dimly lit aquariums with floating plants and dark substrates. They naturally feed from the surface, so offering floating or slowly sinking foods helps ensure they receive enough nutrition before faster mid-water fish consume it. A tightly fitting lid is essential, as they are excellent jumpers.

    FAQ

    How big do Clown Panchax Killifish grow?

    Adults typically reach 3–4 cm, making them one of the smallest killifish species commonly available in the aquarium hobby.

    Are Clown Panchax suitable for beginners?

    They are best suited to hobbyists with some aquarium experience. While not difficult to keep, they appreciate stable water conditions, peaceful tank mates and high-quality foods.

    Can Clown Panchax live in a community aquarium?

    Yes, provided they are housed with very peaceful nano fish that will not outcompete them for food or harass them.

    Will Clown Panchax breed in the aquarium?

    Yes. They lay adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants, spawning mops and mosses. Fry are tiny and require microscopic foods before graduating to baby brine shrimp.

    Do they need live food?

    They readily accept frozen foods and quality micro pellets, but regular live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and microworms help maintain peak colour, health and breeding condition.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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