Can Electric Blue Johannii and Golden Wonder Killifish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Electric Blue Johannii and Golden Wonder Killifish are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Electric Blue Johannii

Pseudotropheus johannii

Golden Wonder Killifish

Aplocheilus lineatus

🐠Family Group
Electric Blue Johannii
Cichlids - African
Golden Wonder Killifish
Killifish
Temperament
Electric Blue Johannii
Aggressive (8/10)
Golden Wonder Killifish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
24–28°C
Golden Wonder Killifish
22–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Electric Blue Johannii
7.8–8.6
Golden Wonder Killifish
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
10–25
Golden Wonder Killifish
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Freshwater Only
Golden Wonder Killifish
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Moderate
Golden Wonder Killifish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 199 L
Electric Blue Johannii
150 L
Golden Wonder Killifish
75 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Electric Blue Johannii
MiddleBottom
Golden Wonder Killifish
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Electric Blue Johannii
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Golden Wonder Killifish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Electric Blue Johannii 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.

Electric Blue Johannii
Golden Wonder Killifish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Electric Blue Johannii is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Golden Wonder Killifish is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Electric Blue Johannii may occasionally assert dominance over Golden Wonder Killifish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Electric Blue Johannii prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) zones, whereas Golden Wonder Killifish occupies the Top (Surface) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

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.

The pH requirements of Electric Blue Johannii (7.8–8.6) and Golden Wonder Killifish (6–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Electric Blue Johannii and Golden Wonder Killifish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 199 litres with a minimum length of 90 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: Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Electric Blue Johannii 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 Electric Blue Johannii and Golden Wonder Killifish.

Show 6 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Electric Blue Johannii 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 Electric Blue Johannii and Golden Wonder Killifish need?

A minimum of 199 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Electric Blue Johannii 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 Electric Blue Johannii or Golden Wonder Killifish aggressive?

Electric Blue Johannii is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Golden Wonder Killifish is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Electric Blue Johannii and Golden Wonder Killifish need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Electric Blue Johannii prefers 7.8–8.6, while Golden Wonder Killifish needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Electric Blue Johannii's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Electric Blue Johannii 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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