Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Golden Wonder Killifish
Aplocheilus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1846)
Also called Striped panchax, Golden wonder panchax, Golden wonder
From South Asia: widespread in peninsular India and northern Sri Lanka, in streams, ponds, swamps, rice paddies and sometimes brackish water. The golden wonder itself is an aquarium-bred colour form.123
At a glance the quick version
Usually about 7 cm; up to 10 cm TL
Wikipedia: life expectancy around six years
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, pike-shaped surface killifish
A slender killifish. Wild fish carry dark bars on the flanks, thinner in males, while the golden wonder is a selectively bred golden-yellow form. Males are larger and more brightly coloured.13
Personality what they are like
A surface-lurking predator. Fine with peaceful fish too large to swallow, such as bigger tetras and calm cichlids, but it will eat very small fish. Males can spar with each other.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A tight lid is a must. Some surface plants mirror the vegetated waters it lives in.1
Home where they are happiest
Minimum tank base about 75 x 30 cm (around 68 litres; FishBase suggests 80 cm). Temperature about 22-27 °C, pH 6.0-7.5, hardness 5-20 dGH.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Natural predator of insects, crustaceans and small fish. Accepts live, frozen and dried foods.13
Company who they like around
Can be kept singly or in a group if the tank is big enough to spread out.1
The story where it all began
Valenciennes described the striped panchax in 1846. Aquarists later selectively bred a golden, almost stripeless form, sold as the golden wonder, which does not occur in the wild.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It has been used in its native countries to help control mosquitoes by eating their larvae.2
- 2
The golden wonder colour form was created in aquariums and is not found in nature.1
- 3
A light-sensitive spot on top of its head helps it notice insects and movement above the water.3
- 4
Unlike annual killifish, it lives in permanent water and is not seasonal.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed October 2009)2
- Taxonomy
- Family Aplocheilidae; described by Valenciennes in 1846, formerly Panchax lineatum1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Golden Wonder Killifish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Golden Wonder Killifish?
Your Golden Wonder Killifish is a natural predator that enjoys live, frozen, and dried foods. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding small amounts once or twice daily. Adjust based on your fish's appetite and consult the food label or a vet for exact portions.13 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Golden Wonder Killifish eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats insects, crustaceans, and small fish, accepting live, frozen, and dried foods. It should never be given very small fish that it could swallow, as it is a predator. For specific dietary restrictions, ask a vet.13
How much space does a Golden Wonder Killifish need?
This active swimmer needs a tank with a minimum base of 75 x 30 cm (about 68 litres), with FishBase suggesting 80 cm length. Provide plenty of room to move, as it is an excellent jumper.12
What temperature, light or water does a Golden Wonder Killifish need?
Keep water at 22-27°C, pH 6.0-7.5, and hardness 5-20 dGH. Some surface plants mirror its natural vegetated habitat. For lighting, consult a good breeder as needs vary.12
How often should I clean a Golden Wonder Killifish's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan recommends a 25% water change weekly, cleaning the glass weekly, and rinsing the filter monthly in old tank water. This keeps your killifish healthy. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Golden Wonder Killifish live with others?
Yes, it can live with peaceful fish too large to swallow, such as bigger tetras and calm cichlids. Avoid very small fish, and keep singly or in a group if the tank is spacious enough.1
How long does a Golden Wonder Killifish live?
With good care, your Golden Wonder Killifish can live up to 6 years.3
Can I handle a Golden Wonder Killifish?
Handling is not recommended as this fish is a delicate jumper and easily stressed. For specific handling advice, ask an exotic-pet vet.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Seriously Fish: Aplocheilus lineatus (Striped Panchax) seriouslyfish.comused for names, range, size, tank, water, diet, behaviour, dimorphism, golden form, taxonomy
- FishBase: Aplocheilus lineatus, Striped panchax fishbase.seused for author and year, distribution, length, environment, IUCN status, mosquito control
- Wikipedia: Aplocheilus lineatus en.wikipedia.orgused for golden wonder form, size, diet, lifespan, head spot
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.