Sparkling Gourami And Clown Killifish: The Ultimate Nano Tank Duo

Written ByHoward Parker

Are you dreaming of a vibrant, active aquarium but feel limited by a smaller tank? It’s a common feeling in the hobby. You see incredible community tanks online but worry that your 10 or 20-gallon setup can’t support that kind of life and color.

I’m here to promise you that a small tank doesn’t mean a boring tank. In fact, it’s an opportunity to create a stunning micro-habitat. The secret is choosing the right residents, and I believe the perfect pairing is the sparkling gourami and clown killifish.

Imagine a tank where iridescent, jewel-like fish explore dense plant life below, while tiny, brilliantly striped “rockets” patrol the surface above. It’s a dynamic, peaceful, and utterly captivating world you can create right in your home.

In this complete guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know. We’ll explore why this duo works so well, how to set up the perfect environment, and provide a detailed care guide to ensure your tiny community thrives. Let’s build your dream nano tank together!

Why This Pairing Shines: The Benefits of Sparkling Gourami and Clown Killifish

Putting two fish species together is about more than just hoping they don’t eat each other. It’s about creating a balanced, harmonious ecosystem. The combination of sparkling gourami and clown killifish is a masterclass in compatibility, and here’s why.

One of the biggest benefits of sparkling gourami and clown killifish is how they utilize the entire water column. They almost never get in each other’s way!

  • Top-Level Dwellers: Clown Killifish are true surface dwellers. They spend nearly all their time at the very top of the tank, darting between floating plants and waiting for food.
  • Mid-to-Bottom Explorers: Sparkling Gouramis prefer the middle and bottom regions. You’ll see them weaving through plant stems, exploring leaf litter, and investigating every nook and cranny.

This natural separation means less competition for space and less stress for the fish. They essentially live in two different worlds within the same tank, creating a visually full and active display.

Both species are incredibly peaceful and thrive in similar water conditions—soft, slightly acidic water with a gentle flow. Their small size also makes them perfect candidates for nano aquariums of 10 gallons or more. It’s a match made in aquarium heaven!

Meet Your New Friends: A Closer Look at Each Species

Before you bring them home, let’s get properly introduced. Understanding the unique characteristics of each fish will make you a better fishkeeper and deepen your appreciation for them. This is a key part of our sparkling gourami and clown killifish care guide.

The Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila): The Jewel of the Tank

Don’t let their tiny size—topping out at just over an inch—fool you. The Sparkling Gourami is packed with personality and beauty. Their bodies are dusted with iridescent blue and red spots that shimmer under the light, earning them the nickname “Pygmy Gourami.”

They are a type of labyrinth fish, meaning they have a special organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. You’ll often see them dart to the surface for a quick gulp! The most charming trait? They can produce an audible croaking or clicking sound, especially during courtship or territorial displays. It’s a unique experience you won’t get with many other fish.

The Clown Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus): The Rocket of the Surface

The Clown Killifish, or Rocket Killifish, is a true showstopper. These tiny fish, rarely exceeding 1.5 inches, boast a bold pattern of black and yellow vertical bands along their body. Their eyes are a striking electric blue, and the males have a wonderfully colorful, spade-shaped tail.

As mentioned, they are dedicated surface-dwellers. Their mouths are upturned, perfectly designed for snatching small insects and food from the water’s surface. They are active and curious but entirely peaceful towards any fish that isn’t small enough to be considered a meal (which, given their tiny mouths, isn’t much!).

Setting Up Your Nano Paradise: The Ultimate Tank Guide

Creating the right environment is the most important step for success. A proper setup will make your fish feel safe, encourage natural behaviors, and keep them healthy. Let’s walk through the sparkling gourami and clown killifish best practices for their home.

Tank Size & Dimensions

For a community of these nano fish, a 10-gallon tank is a great starting point. A 15 or 20-gallon long tank is even better, as the longer footprint provides more surface area for the Clown Killifish and more territory for the gouramis.

A group of 6-8 Clown Killifish and a trio or small group of 4-5 Sparkling Gouramis would be very comfortable in a 10 or 15-gallon tank. Remember to add fish slowly to allow your biological filter to adjust.

Water Parameters: The Sweet Spot

Stability is more important than hitting one exact number. Both species are relatively hardy but will thrive in water that is soft and slightly acidic, mimicking their native habitats in Southeast Asia and West Africa.

  • Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.2
  • Hardness (GH): 2 – 10 dGH

A quality aquarium heater is a must to keep the temperature stable. Using botanicals like Indian almond leaves can help gently lower the pH and release beneficial tannins, which both species appreciate.

Filtration & Flow

Think gentle. Both of these fish come from slow-moving or still waters like ponds, rice paddies, and swamps. A powerful filter will buffet them around and cause stress. A simple, air-driven sponge filter is the perfect choice. It provides excellent biological filtration with a very gentle flow.

If you use a hang-on-back filter, be sure to baffle the output with a sponge or a plastic bottle to slow the current.

Aquascaping for Success: Plants & Hiding Spots

This is where you get to be creative and build a true home for your fish! A heavily planted tank is non-negotiable for this pairing. It provides security, breaks up lines of sight, and encourages natural behavior.

  • For the Clown Killifish: Floating plants are a must! Species like Red Root Floaters, Frogbit, or Salvinia provide cover and make the killifish feel secure at the surface. Their roots also create a beautiful, natural look.
  • For the Sparkling Gouramis: Dense plantings in the mid and background are key. Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocorynes, and Hornwort are all excellent, low-maintenance choices. Add some driftwood and leaf litter (like catappa leaves) on the substrate to provide plenty of hiding spots and foraging areas.

A Complete Care Guide for Sparkling Gourami and Clown Killifish

Once your tank is set up and cycled, the day-to-day care is quite simple. Following this sparkling gourami and clown killifish care guide will ensure your little friends stay happy and healthy for years to come.

Feeding Your Dynamic Duo

Both species are micropredators, meaning they eat tiny insects and crustaceans in the wild. Their mouths are very small, so food size is critical.

A varied diet is the best way to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Offer a rotation of:

  • High-Quality Micro-Pellets: Foods like Hikari Micro Pellets or Fluval Bug Bites (small size) are excellent staples.
  • Crushed Flakes: Standard flakes can be used, but make sure to crush them into a fine powder.
  • Frozen & Live Foods: This is where they’ll really go crazy! Offer baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro-worms a few times a week. This is also the best way to get them into breeding condition.

Remember, the killifish will eat from the surface, while the gouramis will eat as the food slowly sinks. Sprinkle food gently to accommodate both.

Tank Maintenance Routine

Consistency is key. A simple weekly routine will keep your tank pristine and your water parameters stable.

  1. Weekly Water Change: Perform a 25-30% water change every week. Use a gravel vacuum to clean a portion of the substrate each time.
  2. Water Testing: Test your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate before the water change to ensure your cycle is stable.
  3. Filter Maintenance: If you’re using a sponge filter, simply squeeze it out in the old tank water you removed. Never wash it in tap water, as the chlorine will kill the beneficial bacteria.
  4. Glass Cleaning: Scrape any algae off the glass as needed.

Navigating Common Problems with Sparkling Gourami and Clown Killifish

Even with the best care, you might run into a few bumps. Don’t worry! Here’s a look at some common problems with sparkling gourami and clown killifish and how to solve them.

Fin Nipping & Aggression (And How to Prevent It)

While generally peaceful, male Sparkling Gouramis can become territorial with each other, especially in smaller tanks. The “croaking” sound is often part of this display. The best way to prevent this is to provide a densely planted tank. The plants break up sightlines and allow males to establish small territories without constantly seeing each other.

The Disappearing Killifish: Are They Jumpers?

Yes, absolutely! Clown Killifish are expert jumpers. This is perhaps the #1 reason new keepers lose them. Any small gap in the lid is an escape route. You MUST have a tight-fitting lid on your aquarium, with no exceptions. Cover any holes for filters or cords with craft mesh or sponge.

Shy Fish & Feeding Issues

When you first introduce them, both species can be quite shy. This is normal. To help them settle in, you can dim the aquarium lights for a few days. Floating plants are also essential for making them feel secure. If they are hesitant to eat, try offering live baby brine shrimp. The wiggling movement is often too irresistible for them to ignore and will kickstart their appetite.

Sustainable Fishkeeping: An Eco-Friendly Approach

Part of being a responsible aquarist is thinking about our impact. Embracing a sustainable sparkling gourami and clown killifish tank is easy and rewarding.

Always try to source captive-bred fish. This reduces the pressure on wild populations and ensures you get healthier, hardier animals that are already accustomed to aquarium life. Most Sparkling Gouramis and Clown Killifish available in the hobby are captive-bred, but it never hurts to ask your local fish store.

An eco-friendly sparkling gourami and clown killifish setup relies on nature. Using live plants instead of plastic ones creates a self-sustaining ecosystem. The plants help filter the water by consuming nitrates, reducing your reliance on massive water changes. Using natural botanicals like catappa leaves and alder cones conditions the water naturally, avoiding the need for chemical additives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sparkling Gourami and Clown Killifish

What’s the ideal group size for each species in a 10-gallon tank?

In a 10-gallon tank, a great starting point would be a group of 5-6 Clown Killifish and a group of 3-4 Sparkling Gouramis. This provides enough individuals for them to feel secure without overstocking the tank.

Can I keep shrimp or snails with them?

Yes! They are excellent tank mates for Neocaridina shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp) and various snails (like Nerite or Ramshorn snails). The gouramis might eat a few baby shrimp, but a healthy, reproducing shrimp colony with plenty of moss for cover will be just fine.

How can I tell the difference between male and female sparkling gouramis?

It can be tricky, but males are typically more slender and have more vibrant coloration, especially in their fins. Females are often plumper in the belly area. When ready to breed, the differences become more pronounced.

Are these fish difficult for beginners?

Not at all! As long as you provide the right setup (planted tank, gentle filter, and a lid!), they are very hardy and forgiving. They are a fantastic choice for someone looking to start their first nano community tank.

Your Thriving Nano World Awaits

There you have it—a complete blueprint for creating a breathtaking aquarium featuring the dynamic duo of sparkling gouramis and clown killifish. We’ve covered everything from why they’re a perfect match to setting up their ideal home and handling their daily care.

This pairing offers a unique opportunity to observe fascinating behaviors in a small, manageable space. You get the iridescent beauty and curious nature of the gouramis exploring the undergrowth, contrasted with the bold, active display of the killifish patrolling the surface.

Don’t let a small tank hold you back. Embrace the world of nano fish. Go forth, set up that planted paradise, and enjoy the vibrant, peaceful community you’ve created!

Howard Parker
Latest posts by Howard Parker (see all)