Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tupfel Shrimp Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tupfel Shrimp 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 Tupfel Shrimp

Caridina serrata

🐠Family Group
Golden Wonder Killifish
Killifish
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Golden Wonder Killifish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
22–28°C
Red Tupfel Shrimp
18–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
6–7.5
Red Tupfel Shrimp
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
5–20
Red Tupfel Shrimp
4–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Brackish Tolerant
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Low
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Golden Wonder Killifish
75 L
Red Tupfel Shrimp
19 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Golden Wonder Killifish
Top
Red Tupfel Shrimp
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Golden Wonder Killifish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tupfel Shrimp?

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 Tupfel Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Golden Wonder Killifish is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Red Tupfel Shrimp is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Golden Wonder Killifish may occasionally assert dominance over Red Tupfel Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tupfel Shrimp increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Golden Wonder Killifish prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Red Tupfel Shrimp 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.

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 22°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.5°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 5–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tupfel Shrimp 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, Established Algae (Otocinclus), 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 Tupfel Shrimp 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 Tupfel Shrimp.

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 Tupfel Shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Red Tupfel Shrimp 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 Tupfel Shrimp 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 Tupfel Shrimp together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 25°C. A target of around 23.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Golden Wonder Killifish or Red Tupfel Shrimp aggressive?

Golden Wonder Killifish is moderately assertive (6/10) and Red Tupfel Shrimp 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 Red Tupfel Shrimp 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.

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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