Can Chili Rasbora and Golden Wonder Killifish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Not Recommended

Chili Rasbora and Golden Wonder Killifish are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Chili Rasbora

Boraras brigittae

Golden Wonder Killifish

Aplocheilus lineatus

🐠Family Group
Chili Rasbora
Cyprinids
Golden Wonder Killifish
Killifish
Temperament
Chili Rasbora
Peaceful (0/10)
Golden Wonder Killifish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
24–28°C
Golden Wonder Killifish
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
4–7
Golden Wonder Killifish
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
1–10
Golden Wonder Killifish
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
Freshwater Only
Golden Wonder Killifish
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Chili Rasbora
Low
Golden Wonder Killifish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Chili Rasbora
19 L
Golden Wonder Killifish
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Chili Rasbora
MiddleTop
Golden Wonder Killifish
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Chili Rasbora
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Golden Wonder Killifish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Chili Rasbora and Golden Wonder Killifish?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Chili Rasbora
Golden Wonder Killifish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Chili Rasbora is a peaceful species (0/10), while Golden Wonder Killifish is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Golden Wonder Killifish may occasionally assert dominance over Chili Rasbora.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Chili Rasbora and Golden Wonder Killifish increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Chili Rasbora 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.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Golden Wonder Killifish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Chili Rasbora and Golden Wonder Killifish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Chili Rasbora and Golden Wonder Killifish are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Chili Rasbora and Golden Wonder Killifish.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Golden Wonder Killifish is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Chili Rasbora.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chili Rasbora and Golden Wonder Killifish live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Chili Rasbora and Golden Wonder Killifish need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Chili Rasbora 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 Chili Rasbora or Golden Wonder Killifish aggressive?

Chili Rasbora is peaceful (0/10) 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 Chili Rasbora and Golden Wonder Killifish need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
April 28, 2026
Last updated
April 28, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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