Golden Wonder Killifish

Golden Wonder Killifish requires a minimum of 30 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (4 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Golden Wonder Killifish sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.

The Golden Wonder Killifish is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 30 gallons, a temperature of 74-80°F and pH 6.5-7.5. Adults reach about 4 inches and live 4-5 years. Golden Wonder Killifish (Aplocheilus lineatus) is a intermediate-care freshwater species that thrives in tanks of 30 gallons or larger with stable parameters.

Golden Wonder Killifish prefers freshwater parameters: Temperature: 74-80°F pH: 6.5-7.5 GH: 4-12 dGH KH: 3-8 dKH Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 20 ppm long-term Copper: 0 (especially critical for invertebrates) Use dechlorinator on every water change. Test parameters weekly during cycling, biweekly once stable. Stable consistency beats sliding-scale "ideal" parameters.

Golden Wonder Killifish is a carnivore. Eats meaty foods - frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and quality carnivore pellets. Live food (PE Mysis, live brine, live blackworms) triggers feeding response in stressed or new arrivals. Feed 2-3 times weekly for adults; daily for growing juveniles. Feed Golden Wonder Killifish appropriately for its size + activity level.

Golden Wonder Killifish works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Adult-size matters more than purchase-size when planning stocking. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species. Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Golden Wonder Killifish and similar species.

Golden Wonder Killifish reaches 4 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 4-5 years with proper care. Most freshwater species live 3-10 years; larger species (oscars, plecos, knifefish) reach 10-20+ years. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (4 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern.

Golden Wonder Killifish is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Golden Wonder Killifish for 4 weeks before adding to your display tank. Treat fish in a separate hospital tank to avoid affecting plants and inverts. Most disease outbreaks trace back to poor water quality, chronic stress, or skipped quarantine.

Golden Wonder Killifish (Aplocheilus lineatus) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. The captive-bred Golden Wonder Killifish sold at most LFS comes from generations of farmed stock and is generally hardier and better-acclimated to tank conditions than wild-caught equivalents. Wild specimens are occasionally available for keepers chasing original-bloodline coloration or biotope-accurate stocking.