Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) Live Together?

🟡Possible with Caution

Keeping Golden Wonder Killifish and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 132 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Golden Wonder Killifish

Aplocheilus lineatus

Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)

Trichopodus trichopterus

🐠Family Group
Golden Wonder Killifish
Killifish
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
Anabantoids
Temperament
Golden Wonder Killifish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
22–28°C
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
6–7.5
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
5–20
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
5–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Brackish Tolerant
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Low
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 132 L
Golden Wonder Killifish
75 L
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Golden Wonder Killifish
Top
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Golden Wonder Killifish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
Fin NipperAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Fry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Golden Wonder Killifish and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) 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.

Golden Wonder Killifish and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) both frequent the Top (Surface) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Golden Wonder Killifish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Golden Wonder Killifish and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.

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 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 5–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Golden Wonder Killifish and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 132 litres with a minimum length of 90 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, Plants - Densely covered. 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.

Find the right tank equipment

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 132 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Golden Wonder Killifish and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) need?

A minimum of 132 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) 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 Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) aggressive?

Golden Wonder Killifish is moderately assertive (6/10) and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Golden Wonder Killifish and Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) 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 Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) nip Golden Wonder Killifish's fins?

Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) is a known fin nipper. If Golden Wonder Killifish has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

How do I manage Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline) 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.


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