Rocket Killifish

The Rocket Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus) is known for the bold flame-like colours of the male. Growing to only 3–4 cm, they are native to the slow-moving swamps and streams of West Africa. PLEASE NOTE WE KEEP OUR KILLIS IN R.O. WATER, THAT IS REMINERALISED, since they can’t tolerate our South African municipal CaCO3 carbonates as part of our “KH” parameters very well. Our state uses lower grade minerals, and our imported Killifish have been kept in RO water overseas with minerals, so if you do not have an RO system at home, best is to run your tank two thirds R.O. bought from a store and one third tap water; we do it here and works well for the Killis.

Notorious for their short lifespan, these Killis live max 6 months or so after purchase; however, using RO water instead of tap water lengthens their lifetime. If you need any advice on Killi fish, feel free to chat to Nelize. Keep your Rocket killifish in a well-covered aquarium with a layer of floating plants; they are natural jumpers. We suggest buying a group of 6–10 to reduce shyness. They thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with a pH of 6.0–7.2 and prefer calm, low-flow environments.

Avoid housing Rocket killifish with large, boisterous, or aggressive fish that may intimidate them or view them as food. Since they are specialised surface-feeders with upward-pointing mouths, micro pellets or Hikari First Bites are suitable, but their favourite for optimal health is brine shrimp. At our farm we have loads of baby brine shrimp, and the Killis go for this first. Live food is perfect.