Tank size · Freshwater
What size tank for a Clown killifish? (10 gal minimum)
Clown killifish (Epiplatys annulatus) — adult 1.4″, slim-bodied, schooling.
The three sizes — minimum, good, ideal
| Tier | Tank size | What it gets you |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute minimum | 10 US gal | Survives adult life. No extras — no tankmates beyond the essentials, no aquascape that eats footprint. |
| Good | 15 US gal | Room for a small community, decor, and parameter buffering. This is where most people should aim. |
| Ideal | 25 US gal | Natural-feeling space. Active swimmers stop pacing, schoolers school freely, aggression drops. |
Parameters at a glance
- Temperature
- 68–77 °F
- pH
- 5.5–7
- Adult size
- 1.4″
- Body type
- slim
Why tank size matters for this species
Clown killifish is a schooling species — keep at least 8 together. The tank-size minimum above assumes that group. A single or pair-only setup stresses the fish, dulls colour, and shortens lifespan.
Common mistake
Leaving the tank uncovered.
Source for the tank-size minimum
Seriously Fish Epiplatys annulatus profile: 45 × 30 cm base, group of 8–10; Practical Fishkeeping gives 45 × 30 × 20 cm.
Next steps
- Build a candidate stocking list with the aquarium stocking calculator — it'll warn if your community is incompatible.
- Confirm tank water volume after substrate and rock with the aquarium volume calculator.
- Read the nitrogen-cycle guide before adding the first fish.
People also ask
- What is the absolute minimum tank size for a Clown killifish?
- 10 US gallons as an adult, no strict footprint requirement. Seriously Fish Epiplatys annulatus profile: 45 × 30 cm base, group of 8–10; Practical Fishkeeping gives 45 × 30 × 20 cm.
- Can I keep a Clown killifish in a smaller tank when it's a juvenile?
- Briefly, yes — fish stores often sell juveniles that haven't reached adult size yet. But you should plan, buy, and cycle the adult-minimum tank from day one. Upgrading mid-life stresses the fish and is far more expensive than buying the right tank up front.
- Do Clown killifish need to be in a group?
- Yes — they're schooling. A group of at least 8 together. Single or pair-only setups stress them, dull their colour, and shorten their lifespan. Plan tank size for the school, not the individual.
- What temperature and pH does a Clown killifish need?
- Temperature 68–77 °F, pH 5.5–7.
- What's the most common mistake people make with Clown killifish?
- Leaving the tank uncovered.
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