Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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

Red Tailed Redeye Puffer

Carinotetraodon irrubesco

🐠Family Group
Golden Wonder Killifish
Killifish
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
Puffers
Temperament
Golden Wonder Killifish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
22–28°C
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
6–7.5
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
5–20
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Brackish Tolerant
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Low
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Golden Wonder Killifish
75 L
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
55 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Golden Wonder Killifish
Top
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Golden Wonder Killifish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Snail EaterShrimp EaterFin NipperTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer?

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 Tailed Redeye Puffer
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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 Tailed Redeye Puffer 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.

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: 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 7.5. 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.

Tank Setup

To house Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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, Plants - Densely covered, 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

Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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 Tailed Redeye Puffer.

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 Red Tailed Redeye Puffer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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 Tailed Redeye Puffer 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 Tailed Redeye Puffer 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 Golden Wonder Killifish or Red Tailed Redeye Puffer aggressive?

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

What pH do Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Red Tailed Redeye Puffer nip Golden Wonder Killifish's fins?

Red Tailed Redeye Puffer is a known fin nipper. If Golden Wonder Killifish has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Red Tailed Redeye Puffer in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

How do I manage Red Tailed Redeye Puffer's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Red Tailed Redeye Puffer 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

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