Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Fin Caudopunk Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Fin Caudopunk 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

Golden Wonder Killifish

Aplocheilus lineatus

Red Fin Caudopunk

Neolamprologus caudopunctatus

🐠Family Group
Golden Wonder Killifish
Killifish
Red Fin Caudopunk
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Golden Wonder Killifish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Red Fin Caudopunk
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
22–28°C
Red Fin Caudopunk
23–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Golden Wonder Killifish
6–7.5
Red Fin Caudopunk
8–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
5–20
Red Fin Caudopunk
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Brackish Tolerant
Red Fin Caudopunk
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Low
Red Fin Caudopunk
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Golden Wonder Killifish
75 L
Red Fin Caudopunk
75 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Golden Wonder Killifish
Top
Red Fin Caudopunk
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Golden Wonder Killifish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Red Fin Caudopunk
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Fin Caudopunk?

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
Red Fin Caudopunk
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Fin Caudopunk are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

In terms of spatial distribution, Golden Wonder Killifish prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Red Fin Caudopunk occupies the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) zones. 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 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Golden Wonder Killifish (6–7.5) and Red Fin Caudopunk (8–9) 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 Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Fin Caudopunk 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), Shells (Breeding/Hiding). 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 Red Fin Caudopunk 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 Red Fin Caudopunk.

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Fin Caudopunk 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 Red Fin Caudopunk 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 Red Fin Caudopunk together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Golden Wonder Killifish or Red Fin Caudopunk aggressive?

Golden Wonder Killifish is moderately assertive (6/10) and Red Fin Caudopunk is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Fin Caudopunk need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Golden Wonder Killifish prefers 6–7.5, while Red Fin Caudopunk needs 8–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Red Fin Caudopunk's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Red Fin Caudopunk 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

Related Comparisons

Golden Wonder Killifish & Florida Flagfish

·

Possible with Caution
Golden Wonder Killifish: PeacefulFlorida Flagfish: Peaceful

Golden Wonder Killifish & Gardner's Killifish

·

Possible with Caution
Golden Wonder Killifish: PeacefulGardner's Killifish: Peaceful

Golden Wonder Killifish & Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)

·

Not Recommended
Golden Wonder Killifish: PeacefulJapanese Ricefish (Medaka): Peaceful

Golden Wonder Killifish & Clown Killifish

·

Not Recommended
Golden Wonder Killifish: PeacefulClown Killifish: Peaceful

Golden Wonder Killifish & Largereye Lampeye Killifish

·

Not Recommended
Golden Wonder Killifish: PeacefulLargereye Lampeye Killifish: Peaceful

Golden Wonder Killifish & Longnose Gar

·

Possible with Caution
Golden Wonder Killifish: PeacefulLongnose Gar: Peaceful

Red Fin Caudopunk & Afra Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
Red Fin Caudopunk: PeacefulAfra Cichlid: Peaceful

Red Fin Caudopunk & African Jewel Cichlid

·

Not Recommended
Red Fin Caudopunk: PeacefulAfrican Jewel Cichlid: Peaceful

Red Fin Caudopunk & Altolamprologus Calvus

·

Possible with Caution
Red Fin Caudopunk: PeacefulAltolamprologus Calvus: Peaceful

Red Fin Caudopunk & Altolamprologus Compressiceps

·

Possible with Caution
Red Fin Caudopunk: PeacefulAltolamprologus Compressiceps: Peaceful

Red Fin Caudopunk & Aurora Yellow Mbuna

·

Possible with Caution
Red Fin Caudopunk: PeacefulAurora Yellow Mbuna: Peaceful

Red Fin Caudopunk & Black Diamond Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
Red Fin Caudopunk: PeacefulBlack Diamond Cichlid: Peaceful