Aplocheilus lineatus
A surface predator with metallic gold flanks and bright red fins. The hardier of the popular killifish, not annual like Nothobranchius. Will eat any fish small enough to fit — keep with mid-sized tank mates above 4 cm, never with neons or shrimplets.
Golden Wonder Killifish (Aplocheilus lineatus) reaches 8–10 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 75 L. Native to Southern India and Sri Lanka, it lives in the top water column with a semi-aggressive (predatory) temperament. Aim for 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 3–5 years with good care. Golden Wonder Killifish can be kept singly or in a small group. Diet: carnivore, Floating pellet, frozen bloodworm, live insects, small live fish are eaten without hesitation. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: No (eats shrimp).
Care at a glance
A surface predator with metallic gold flanks and bright red fins. The hardier of the popular killifish, not annual like Nothobranchius. Will eat any fish small enough to fit — keep with mid-sized tank mates above 4 cm, never with neons or shrimplets.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether golden wonder killifish fits in your tank.
Top
No
Can be kept solo
Aplocheilidae
Carnivore
Floating pellet, frozen bloodworm, live insects, small live fish are eaten without hesitation.
3–5 yrs
Medium
Southern India and Sri Lanka
Southern India and Sri Lanka
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Golden Wonder Killifish (Aplocheilus lineatus) needs a minimum tank of 75 L. They live in the top water column and can be kept singly, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No (eats shrimp). Plant safety: Yes.
Golden Wonder Killifish are carnivore. Floating pellet, frozen bloodworm, live insects, small live fish are eaten without hesitation.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: medium.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 3–5 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
