Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Pictus Catfish Live Together?

Golden Wonder Killifish is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Pictus Catfish is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Golden Wonder Killifish may occasionally assert dominance over Pictus Catfish.

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

Worth noting: Pictus Catfish 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.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°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 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

To house Golden Wonder Killifish and Pictus Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 240 litres with a minimum length of 120 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: Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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.