Fish comparison
Clown Killifish vs Sparkling Gourami
How the Clown Killifish and Sparkling Gourami compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Clown Killifish vs Sparkling Gourami
The Clown Killifish and the Sparkling Gourami come up together a lot when people are choosing a fish, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 6.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Sparkling Gourami is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Clown Killifish rewards a bit more attention. If tank space is tight, the Clown Killifish needs less room to feel settled; give the Sparkling Gourami the nod when you have the litres to spare.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
2 notes
Temperature
- Clown Killifish22–26 °C
- Sparkling Gourami22–28 °C
pH
- Clown Killifish4.5–6.5
- Sparkling Gourami6–7.5
Hardness
- Clown Killifish1–6 dGH
- Sparkling Gourami2–10 dGH
What to plan for
- No bottom teamNo bottom-dwelling fish or shrimp. A small group of corydoras or a shrimp colony picks up leftover food and keeps detritus in check.
- 67% of your fish swim in the topHeavy concentration in a single zone. Spreading stocking across all three levels makes the tank read fuller for the same bioload.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishClown KillifishEpiplatys annulatus |  FishSparkling GouramiTrichopsis pumila |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Coastal Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia | Southeast Asia (Mekong, Chao Phraya) |
| Family | Nothobranchiidae | Osphronemidae |
| Temperature | 22–26 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 4.5–6.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 1–6 | 2–10 |
| Flow rate | Still | Still to Low |
| Min tank | 30 L | 40 L |
| Adult size | 3–3.5 cm | 3.5–4 cm |
| Difficulty | 3 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 3–4 yrs | 4–5 yrs |
| Diet | Micropredator | Micropredator |
| Water column | Top | Mid to Top |
| Schooling | Loose group | Loose group |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Yes (adults only, will hunt shrimplets) | Mostly |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Clown Killifish and Sparkling Gourami together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 6.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Clown Killifish or the Sparkling Gourami?
The Sparkling Gourami is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Clown Killifish leans middle-of-the-road.
Do Clown Killifish and Sparkling Gourami need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 6.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Clown Killifish and the Sparkling Gourami?
Space. The Clown Killifish wants about 30 litres minimum and the Sparkling Gourami around 40, so tank size can settle it.