Fish comparison
Golden Wonder Killifish vs Sparkling Gourami
How the Golden Wonder Killifish and Sparkling Gourami compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Golden Wonder Killifish vs Sparkling Gourami
The Golden Wonder Killifish and the Sparkling Gourami come up together a lot when people are choosing a fish, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. If tank space is tight, the Sparkling Gourami needs less room to feel settled; give the Golden Wonder Killifish the nod when you have the litres to spare.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
2 notes
Temperature
- Golden Wonder Killifish22–28 °C
- Sparkling Gourami22–28 °C
pH
- Golden Wonder Killifish6–7.5
- Sparkling Gourami6–7.5
Hardness
- Golden Wonder Killifish5–20 dGH
- Sparkling Gourami2–10 dGH
What to plan for
- No bottom teamNo bottom-dwelling fish or shrimp. A small group of corydoras or a shrimp colony picks up leftover food and keeps detritus in check.
- 67% of your fish swim in the topHeavy concentration in a single zone. Spreading stocking across all three levels makes the tank read fuller for the same bioload.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishGolden Wonder KillifishAplocheilus lineatus |  FishSparkling GouramiTrichopsis pumila |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Southern India and Sri Lanka | Southeast Asia (Mekong, Chao Phraya) |
| Family | Aplocheilidae | Osphronemidae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 5–20 | 2–10 |
| Flow rate | Low | Still to Low |
| Min tank | 75 L | 40 L |
| Adult size | 8–10 cm | 3.5–4 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 3–5 yrs | 4–5 yrs |
| Diet | Carnivore | Micropredator |
| Water column | Top | Mid to Top |
| Schooling | No (loose group) | Loose group |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | No (eats shrimp) | Mostly |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Golden Wonder Killifish and Sparkling Gourami together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Golden Wonder Killifish or the Sparkling Gourami?
They sit at the same care level, both beginner-friendly, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Golden Wonder Killifish and Sparkling Gourami need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Golden Wonder Killifish and the Sparkling Gourami?
Temperament is the big one. The Golden Wonder Killifish is semi-aggressive and the Sparkling Gourami is peaceful, which changes who you can house them with.