Can African Lungfish and Golden Wonder Killifish Live Together?

🟡Possible with Caution

Keeping African Lungfish and Golden Wonder Killifish together is possible but requires caution due to differing aggression levels. Provide a spacious tank of at least 816 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

African Lungfish

Protopterus annectens

Golden Wonder Killifish

Aplocheilus lineatus

🐠Family Group
African Lungfish
Oddballs
Golden Wonder Killifish
Killifish
Temperament
African Lungfish
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Golden Wonder Killifish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
African Lungfish
24–30°C
Golden Wonder Killifish
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
African Lungfish
6–8
Golden Wonder Killifish
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
African Lungfish
5–20
Golden Wonder Killifish
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
African Lungfish
Freshwater Only
Golden Wonder Killifish
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
African Lungfish
Low
Golden Wonder Killifish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 816 L
African Lungfish
680 L
Golden Wonder Killifish
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
African Lungfish
BottomMiddleTop
Golden Wonder Killifish
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
African Lungfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesJumper (Lid Required)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Golden Wonder Killifish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer

Behaviour & Temperament

African Lungfish is a highly aggressive species (10/10), while Golden Wonder Killifish is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means African Lungfish may occasionally assert dominance over Golden Wonder Killifish.

African Lungfish and Golden Wonder Killifish both frequent the Top (Surface) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: African Lungfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both African Lungfish and Golden Wonder Killifish to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house African Lungfish and Golden Wonder Killifish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 816 litres with a minimum length of 180 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Find the right tank equipment

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African Lungfish and Golden Wonder Killifish live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 816 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do African Lungfish and Golden Wonder Killifish need?

A minimum of 816 litres (tank length at least 180 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for African Lungfish and Golden Wonder Killifish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are African Lungfish or Golden Wonder Killifish aggressive?

African Lungfish is highly aggressive (10/10) and Golden Wonder Killifish is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do African Lungfish and Golden Wonder Killifish need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage African Lungfish's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives African Lungfish space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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