Species Snapshot
- Species Name: Aplocheilus lineatus
- Common Names: Golden wonder killifish, striped panchax
- Size: 3-4 inches
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Native Distribution: India and Sri Lanka
Aptly named for its almost glowing gold coloration, the Golden Wonder Killifish is a striking variant of the striped panchax (Aplocheilus lineatus). Whether you’re looking for a unique species to feature in a show tank or an active top-dwelling addition to a freshwater community tank, the Golden Wonder Killifish is worth considering. Let’s dive into Golden Wonder Killifish care and breeding tips!
Anatomy and Appearance
The striped panchax is a species of killifish belonging to the genus Aplocheilus which is native to South and Southeast Asia. Found in both freshwater and brackish habitats, these killifish have slender bodies and elongated anal fins. A feature that differentiates them from other killifish is the species’ parietal eye which limits them to seeing predators and prey from below—generally on or above the water’s surface.
Wild striped panchax is grey-green in color with horizontal striping. The golden wonder killifish is an aquarium variant of the striped panchax selectively bred for its yellow-gold coloration. When fully mature and healthy, these fish may also develop a blue-green iridescence all over their body and fins.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
Because golden wonder killifish are top-dwellers, they’re adaptable to a variety of tank setups—as long as there’s enough free space for them in the upper level of the water column. Planted tanks offer a striking contrast to their golden color, as do dark backgrounds and substrates.
Tank Size
The golden wonder killifish remains fairly small, growing 3-4 inches in length. They’re sometimes considered nanofish, but not exclusively so. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended, especially considering this species is best kept in groups of three or more. If you’re keeping these fish in a community tank, even larger tanks are recommended.
When choosing a tank for your golden wonder killifish, keep in mind that this is a top-dwelling species. These fish don’t tend to occupy the lower or middle levels of the water column, so make sure your tank is big enough to provide plenty of swimming space near the top. You may even want to go larger than you might think so you can keep the water level slightly below full—this helps mitigate the species’ tendency to jump.
Water Parameters
While golden wonder killifish are generally considered to be hardy and adaptable (particularly tank-bred specimens), maintaining ideal tank conditions is essential for maximizing their lifespan. A pH range of 6.5-7.5 is best, as are slightly cooler temperatures. Generally speaking, however, these fish will tolerate a temperature range of 72°F-84°F.
It’s also worth noting that wild striped panchax may inhabit brackish as well as freshwater habitats in the wild. Captive specimens can be adaptable to brackish tanks, but this species by no means requires brackish water.
Tank Décor
When decorating your Golden Wonder Killifish tank, what’s most important is not overcrowding the top level of the tank. The rest of the tank can be decorated according to the needs or preferences of your other stock.
One thing to keep in mind with this species is that they are very good jumpers. Keeping the tank a little less than full can be helpful but a solid lid is essential.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, striped panchax feeds on a wide range of meaty foods including insects, crustaceans, and even small fish. Aquarium variants are no different but will generally accept commercial foods as well as fresh or frozen foods. Try a variety of foods like carnivore flakes and pellets to see what your fish will eat—just remember to choose floating foods over sinking foods.
Temperament and Tank Mates
Golden wonder killifish are generally peaceful by nature and can get along with many species of similar temperament. Dwarf cichlids, large tetras, and other community fish make good tank mates. Just be sure to focus on middle- and bottom-dwelling species.
Because these fish stick to the upper level of the tank, you might assume they’re suitable for shrimp tanks but that could be a costly mistake. They’re predatory fish, so they’re likely to hunt down and feed on dwarf shrimp and even nano fish like microrasboras or danios. It’s best to keep this species only with other fish that are too big to fit in their mouths.
Golden Wonder Killifish Breeding Tips
In the wild, striped panchax are prolific breeders—sometimes producing as many as 300 eggs per day during the spawning period. Under the right conditions, spawning can go on for several weeks at a time. These conditions can be replicated in captivity, though it’s best to breed golden wonder killifish in a separate breeding tank.
Decorate the breeding tank sparsely but provide plenty of vegetation for the female to deposit her eggs in. Fine-leaved plants, mosses, or spawning mops are ideal for this purpose. It’s also important to maintain high water quality to encourage spawning and to keep the fry healthy.
Sexing Golden Wonder Killifish may be most easily accomplished through comparison. Compared to female specimens, males will be a little larger and more brightly colored. If you have two mature fish ready for breeding, you’ll see the male begin a courtship display after which the female will deposit her eggs.
Golden wonder killifish eggs have an incubation period between 11 and 14 days. Once hatched, the fry will subsist on the remains of their yolk sacs for a day or two before becoming free-swimming. At that point, you must provide small, protein-rich foods like baby brine shrimp or microworms.
Other Interesting Facts
- In addition to their brilliant gold coloration, this species is known for its entertaining behavior and playful personality.
- Like other panchax species, the golden wonder killifish has a much different body shape than many killifish—their noses are more pointed than rounded.
- In the wild, this species is found in a wide range of habitats including streams and rivers as well as swamps and rice paddies—usually at high altitudes.
Contact us today to start your perfect freshwater aquarium!