Clown Killifish tank mates
The nano surface fish that works in shrimp tanks. Soft acidic blackwater plus micro-food, and the colony settles in a 30L planted cube.
Common mistakeBuying six clown killis and dumping ordinary community flake is how keepers invent “finicky” fish. The mouths are too small for the food everyone else eats, so the school fades while the midwater fish look fine. Match food size to the fish, keep a tight lid, and do not expect them to compete with zebra danios at dinner.
Each name below opens a pair check with Clown Killifish. That check is the decision, not the list itself.
Usually safer companions
Conservative shortlist from this profile. Open a pair page before you buy.
The Clown Killifish profile lists Cherry Shrimp as both safe and a recommended pairing. Cherry Shrimp schools in groups of 10 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish. Cherry Shrimp swims in the bottom zone while Clown Killifish stays in the top, so the two will not crowd the same water column.
The Clown Killifish profile lists Chili Rasbora as both safe and a recommended pairing. Chili Rasbora schools in groups of 8 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish. Chili Rasbora swims in the middle zone while Clown Killifish stays in the top, so the two will not crowd the same water column.
The Clown Killifish profile lists Ember Tetra as both safe and a recommended pairing. Ember Tetra schools in groups of 8 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish. Ember Tetra swims in the middle zone while Clown Killifish stays in the top, so the two will not crowd the same water column.
Risky or situational
May work with more water, a mature system, or a species-only setup. Read the pair page before you experiment.
Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.
Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.
Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.
Fish to avoid with Clown Killifish
Predation, aggression, or space rules on this profile. Treat these as poor default mixes.
Jack Dempsey reaches 25cm and is flagged predatory. Clown Killifish at 3.5cm is prey-sized for it. Jack Dempsey needs at least 200L, far above the 20L minimum for Clown Killifish. The tank that houses one stresses the other. Jack Dempsey is rated aggressive and Clown Killifish is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.
Oscar reaches 35cm and is flagged predatory. Clown Killifish at 3.5cm is prey-sized for it. Oscar needs at least 300L, far above the 20L minimum for Clown Killifish. The tank that houses one stresses the other. Oscar is rated aggressive and Clown Killifish is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.
Tank size and groups
- Published minimum for Clown Killifish: 20L. Group minimum 6 (schooling).
- Compatibility changes when the tank is too short for turning, too little for a real school, or too warm for one species and not the other. That is why pair checks include tank context, not only temperament.
- Nearest litre hub to this minimum: 30L hub.
Plan before you buy
Start a pair check with Clown Killifish, or open a starter plan with the top safer companions in the builder.
Tank hubs: 30L
Related reading
Guides that list other fish with the same trait, so you can plan around the group rather than one row.
- Schooling & group fish →
Plan the group of 6+ before choosing tank mates.
- Beginner-friendly freshwater fish →
Clown Killifish is on this list. Hardier options for a first stock.
- Peaceful community fish →
Other peaceful species to shortlist beside Clown Killifish.
Filtration & heating
A 20L minimum tank for Clown Killifish needs a filter rated for at least 80L/hr turnover and a heater maintaining 22–28°C.
Similar fish (same category)
- Pea Puffer · min 40L
- American Flagfish · min 60L
- Marbled Hatchetfish · min 60L
- Golden Wonder Killifish · min 80L
- African freshwater butterflyfish · min 150L
- Ropefish / reed fish · min 200L
- Senegal bichir · min 300L
- Black ghost knifefish · min 500L
Related (care + temperament)
Featured compatibility checks
Curated pair pages for Clown Killifish. Each opens a full verdict — not just a list label.
Clown Killifish tank mates — quick answers
- What fish can live with Clown Killifish?
- Usually safer companions on this hub include Cherry Shrimp, Chili Rasbora, Ember Tetra. Open each pair check before you buy — the list is a shortlist, not a guarantee.
- What tank mates should you avoid with Clown Killifish?
- Avoid Jack Dempsey, Oscar based on size, temperament, or predation risk on this profile.
- What size tank do Clown Killifish need for a community?
- 20L is the planning floor for adult swimming space and bioload. A 30L+ tank is the more comfortable long-term footprint. Length and depth matter as much as raw litres for active or territorial fish.