Clown Killifish

The Clown Killifish, Epiplatys annulatus, is a diminutive freshwater killifish in the family Nothobranchiidae, native to forested streams of West Africa, including Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. It is one of the smallest commonly recognized killifish species and is distinguished by its bold banded pattern and brightly colored tail. Sometimes called the Rocket Killifish for its tricolor caudal fin, the species is non-annual, meaning it does not rely on seasonal drought-resistant eggs and instead lives in permanent forest waters year-round. It remains widespread within suitable rainforest habitat and is not currently considered threatened.

Identification points for Epiplatys annulatus:

• Very small, slender, torpedo-shaped body, rarely exceeding 3-4 cm
• Pale cream to white base color crossed by 4-5 bold black vertical bands along the body
• Caudal fin is the standout feature: bright red with a dark blue-black central stripe and white outer edges, resembling a small rocket or flag
• Flattened head with upturned mouth typical of surface-oriented killifish
• Distinguished from other small Epiplatys species by the combination of strong banding and the tricolor tail pattern, unique among West African killifish

Clown Killifish are native to slow-moving, shallow forest streams, seepages, and blackwater pools within the rainforest belt of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia in West Africa. They favor soft, acidic, tannin-stained water shaded by dense forest canopy, often among leaf litter and fine root tangles near the surface. As a non-annual species, they require permanent or near-permanent water bodies rather than seasonal pools. Native water temperatures are warm, generally 22-26°C, and the species is rarely found far from cover in slow, still, densely vegetated microhabitats.

This small killifish is a surface-oriented micropredator, feeding on tiny insects, insect larvae, and other small invertebrates near the water's surface. It is relatively peaceful and often found in loose aggregations rather than strict solitary territories, though males display briefly to one another and to females during courtship. Spawning is continuous rather than seasonal, with pairs scattering a few adhesive eggs at a time among fine plant roots or leaf litter over an extended period, with no parental care. Its small size and surface habits make it an important prey item for larger fish and invertebrate predators within its forest stream ecosystem.