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Golden Wonder Killifish
Aplocheilus lineatus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cyprinodontiformes›Aplocheilidae
Variety of Striped Panchax · Golden Wonder
📍 India (captive-developed)
A surface-dwelling killifish with a golden-yellow body and a distinctive upturned mouth for catching insects. Hardy and easy to care for, it adds activity to the upper water column. Can be kept with peaceful community fish that are too large to eat.
Care Guide
Diet
Golden Wonder Killifish are carnivorous surface feeders that eagerly consume live insects, mosquito larvae, and small crustaceans. They readily accept high-quality flake foods, pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms. Feed small amounts once daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes to maintain water quality.
Behavior
Active surface dwellers that spend most of their time near the water's surface hunting for prey. They are semi-aggressive and may nip at slower-moving fish or those with flowing fins, though they generally tolerate peaceful community members. Males can be territorial toward each other, so provide adequate space and visual barriers if housing multiple individuals.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult but achievable with proper conditioning. Provide dense vegetation or spawning mops where females can deposit eggs; males do not guard fry. Separate fry immediately and raise them on infusoria and micro foods before transitioning to larger foods.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water zones, avoiding direct competition with surface-feeding killifish
Bottom-dweller that doesn't compete for surface food and helps maintain tank cleanliness
Peaceful invertebrate that occupies different ecological niche and poses no threat to killifish
Small but can be nipped by aggressive killifish; only suitable in larger tanks with ample space
Hardy plant that provides cover and doesn't require special care; benefits from killifish waste
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce aggression by providing more space, use antibacterial medication if severe
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, lethargy, rapid gill movement
Increase aeration, raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment as directed
Bacterial Infection
Sores, lesions, or cloudy patches on skin; torn fins; lethargy
Maintain pristine water conditions, perform 25-50% water changes every 2-3 days, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication if condition worsens
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore – floating pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, live insects
- lifespan
- 3–4 years
- max size
- 10 cm (4 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Semi-aggressive (predatory toward tiny fish)
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 5–15 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)