Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Not Recommended

Golden Wonder Killifish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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

Golden Wonder Killifish

Aplocheilus lineatus

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)

Melanoides tuberculata

🐠Family Group
Golden Wonder Killifish
Killifish
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Invertebrates
Temperament
Golden Wonder Killifish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
22–28°C
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
18–32°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
6–7.5
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
5–20
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
8–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Brackish Tolerant
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Low
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Golden Wonder Killifish
75 L
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
5 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Golden Wonder Killifish
Top
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Golden Wonder Killifish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Nocturnal
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Golden Wonder Killifish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)?

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.

Golden Wonder Killifish
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Golden Wonder Killifish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Golden Wonder Killifish prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

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

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, 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 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 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 8–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Golden Wonder Killifish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Soil / Nutrient Rich. 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

Golden Wonder Killifish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Golden Wonder Killifish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) live together?

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

What size tank do Golden Wonder Killifish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Golden Wonder Killifish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Golden Wonder Killifish or Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) aggressive?

Golden Wonder Killifish is moderately assertive (6/10) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Golden Wonder Killifish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) during evening hours.

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?
Contact the editorial team

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