Golden Wonder Killifish
Aplocheilus lineatus
Family: Aplocheilidae • Origin: Various
Golden Wonder Killifish (Aplocheilus lineatus) is a semi-aggressive killifish reaching 4 inches. Can be kept singly. Minimum tank size: 20 gallons.
Is Golden Wonder Killifish Right for Your Tank?
Golden Wonder Killifish is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "intermediate" difficulty (2/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. A 20-gallon tank minimum is standard — most community setups will accommodate them.
Golden Wonder Killifish is semi-aggressive — they can live with others but may bully smaller or slower fish. Choose tank mates carefully. They are territorial — provide adequate hiding spots and maintain enough space to reduce aggression. Expected lifespan: 6 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Golden Wonder Killifish
Putting them in a tank under 20 gallons
Many beginners underestimate tank size needs. Golden Wonder Killifish requires at least 20 gallons — ideally 30. Cramped tanks lead to stunted growth, aggression, and poor water quality.
Housing with peaceful nano fish
Golden Wonder Killifish is semi-aggressive and territorial — small, peaceful species like neon tetras, endlers, or celestial pearl danios will be stressed, bullied, or eaten. Choose tank mates that can hold their own.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 4 inches
- • Temperature: 72-79°F
- • pH: 6-7.5
- • Can be kept alone or in pairs
- • semi-aggressive temperament — choose tankmates carefully
Feeding: Standard carnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Aplocheilidae species.
Compatibility Notes: Typical semi-aggressive Aplocheilidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 20 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 30 gallons
- Swimming Level
- top
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–79°F
- pH Range
- 6–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Aggression Level
- 3/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- Yes
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- carnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical semi-aggressive Aplocheilidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 6 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Similar Species
Gardneri Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
Blue Lyretail Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri
Steel Blue Killifish
Fundulopanchax gardneri nigerianus
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius