A large, incredibly hardy, surface-dwelling killifish. The 'Golden Wonder' is a selectively bred bright yellow morph of the wild Striped Panchax. They are notorious predators with surprisingly large, trapdoor-like mouths; they will easily consume neon tetras, guppies, and dwarf shrimp. They are completely peaceful with fish too large to eat, but require a tight-fitting lid as they are expert jumpers.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Golden Wonder)
The vividly colored, line-bred golden morph that dominates the aquarium trade. Males are larger, have pointed fins, and exhibit the brightest yellow-gold coloration. Highly predatory towards smaller fish.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Gold Killi, Male Golden Wonder, Standard
Female (Golden Wonder)
Slightly smaller and noticeably paler than the males, often exhibiting faint vertical stripes on the rear half of the body. Still poses a significant predation risk to small tank mates.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Golden Wonder
Wild Type (Striped Panchax)
The natural wild coloration. Males feature a bronze/green metallic body with distinct black vertical stripes across the posterior half, while females are more subdued.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Striped Panchax, Natural Form, Wild Type
Golden Wonder Killifish Care Guide Summary
The Golden Wonder Killifish, scientifically known as Aplocheilus lineatus, belongs to the Killifish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 10 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the surface zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Golden Wonder Killifish requires a brackish tolerant aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
The Golden Wonder Killifish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male (Golden Wonder), Female (Golden Wonder), and Wild Type (Striped Panchax). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Golden Wonder Killifish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Golden Wonder Killifish, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline. Useful additions include floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Golden Wonder Killifish Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Golden Wonder Killifish is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Golden Wonder Killifish.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
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Golden Wonder Killifish Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Golden Wonder Killifish is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed. Find quality Golden Wonder Killifish fish food for this species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Wonder Killifish
How big does Golden Wonder Killifish get?
Golden Wonder Killifish (Aplocheilus lineatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 10 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Golden Wonder Killifish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Golden Wonder Killifish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Golden Wonder Killifish need?
Golden Wonder Killifish thrives in brackish tolerant conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Golden Wonder Killifish peaceful or aggressive?
Golden Wonder Killifish is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Golden Wonder Killifish live alone?
Yes, Golden Wonder Killifish can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Golden Wonder Killifish safe with shrimp?
No. Golden Wonder Killifish is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Golden Wonder Killifish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Golden Wonder Killifish benefits from plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Golden Wonder Killifish need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Golden Wonder Killifish is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Similar Species
Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
A striking nano killifish resembling a tiny rocket. Native to West African swamps, they have distinct black and yellow vertical bands. They are strictly surface dwellers (top-level) and are non-annual, meaning they live longer than annual killifish (2-3+ years). They are notorious jumpers and require a tight lid.
Florida Flagfish
Jordanella floridae
A robust, deep-bodied killifish native to Florida. Unlike most killifish, they are primarily herbivores and are renowned for their ability to eat Hair Algae and sometimes Black Beard Algae. They are sub-tropical and thrive in unheated aquariums. They can be fin-nippers, especially if underfed or kept with long-finned tank mates.
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Brachygobius xanthozonus
A miniature, bottom-dwelling goby famous for its striking black and yellow stripes. While they are often sold as freshwater fish and can survive in it temporarily, they are highly susceptible to fungal infections in fresh water and truly require a brackish setup (SG 1.002-1.005) to thrive long-term. They are notoriously picky eaters, often ignoring flakes in favor of live or frozen foods (like bloodworms or brine shrimp).
Gold Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatus
A highly active, peaceful schooling fish. The common 'Gold' variant is a captive-bred color morph (Schuberti) of the wild Green Barb. They are remarkably hardy and prefer slightly cooler sub-tropical water, making them excellent candidates for unheated indoor aquariums.
Freshwater Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
The most iconic South American Cichlid, known for its distinct arrowhead shape and majestic fins. While domestic strains are hardy, they remain cichlids: they are semi-aggressive predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras). They form loose shoals as juveniles but pair off and become territorial as they mature. Height is more important than length for this species.
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Poropanchax normani
A small, peaceful, schooling killifish native to Central and Western Africa. Named for the bright, iridescent blue/white crescent on the upper part of their eyes, which glows under aquarium lighting. Unlike many killifish, they are not annual and thrive in community setups. They are highly active swimmers and known jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is required.