Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, sourcing, and tankmate intelligence on Golden Wonder Killifish - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team and cross-verified against vendor records on the live marketplace.
Golden Wonder Killifish (Aplocheilus lineatus) is a freshwater fish kept by aquarists for community + species-specific freshwater displays. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of experience and stable water chemistry.
Where Golden Wonder Killifish comes from
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.
Golden Wonder Killifish tank size and setup
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.
For a Golden Wonder Killifish setup: tank sized for the adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x tank volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape and plants.
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.
What Golden Wonder Killifish eats
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. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.
Golden Wonder Killifish tankmates and compatibility
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 adult size and lifespan
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.
Can you breed Golden Wonder Killifish?
Golden Wonder Killifish can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common Golden Wonder Killifish diseases and problems
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.
Where to buy Golden Wonder Killifish online
Golden Wonder Killifish is sold at LFS (local fish stores), online retailers, and direct from breeders/wholesalers. Pricing varies widely by source, size, and quality:
Browse live Golden Wonder Killifish from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping (FedEx Priority + UPS Next Day), climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens cost more upfront but arrive healthier and integrate faster.
Golden Wonder Killifish FAQ
How big does Golden Wonder Killifish get?
4 inches at adulthood within 12-24 months.
How long does Golden Wonder Killifish live?
4-5 years with proper care.
What is the minimum tank/pond size?
30 gallons, with larger systems strongly recommended.
Is Golden Wonder Killifish hard to keep?
Golden Wonder Killifish is rated intermediate difficulty.
What does Golden Wonder Killifish eat?
Golden Wonder Killifish is a carnivore; appropriate diet matches its natural feeding pattern.
Golden Wonder Killifish taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.