Description

Golden Wonder Killifish (Aplocheilus lineatus)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Aplocheilus lineatus

• Common Names: Golden Wonder Killifish, Striped Panchax, Golden Panchax

• Family: Aplocheilidae (Killifish Family)

• Order: Cyprinodontiformes

• Origin: South and Southeast Asia — mainly India and Sri Lanka freshwater streams and ponds

• Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm) in captivity

• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years

• Tank Zone: Mid to upper water column

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 100 – 250 ppm

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Body: Elongated, slender body with smooth, reflective scales.

• Coloration: Golden to yellowish body with subtle horizontal stripes; males display more vibrant hues.

• Fins: Dorsal and anal fins elongated; caudal fin slightly forked; pectoral fins translucent.

• Behavior: Semi-aggressive; active predator; fast swimmer.

• Nature: Diurnal; hunts small live foods in mid-water; prefers planted and shaded areas.

• Special Feature: Hardy and resilient; known for predatory instincts and unique golden coloration.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Carnivorous

• Diet: Live foods such as mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, daphnia, and small insects; high-quality frozen or micro-pellets.

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily.

• Tip: Live foods enhance coloration and encourage active hunting behavior.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 80 liters (20 gallons) for a single adult.

• Filtration: Moderate filtration; gentle to moderate water flow.

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel; avoid sharp decorations.

• Decor: Plants, driftwood, and floating vegetation; provides hiding and hunting areas.

• Lighting: Moderate; mimics natural habitat and enhances golden tones.

• Water Change: 20–25% weekly; maintain clean and stable water.

👥 Social Behavior

• Group Size: Best kept singly or in a pair; males can be territorial.

• Tank Mates: Suitable with fast, larger, non-aggressive fish; avoid small fish that may be eaten.

• Avoid: Tiny fish or very passive species; may be seen as prey.

• Compatibility Note: Predatory instincts make them unsuitable for nano or heavily stocked community tanks.

✅ Do’s

• Keep in a tank with plenty of swimming space.

• Provide live foods to encourage hunting and color.

• Include plants and shaded areas for security.

• Maintain stable water parameters.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep with small fish; they may be eaten.

• Don’t overcrowd; requires open swimming space.

• Don’t neglect water quality; sensitive to ammonia/nitrite spikes.

⭐ Quick Tips
Golden Wonder Killifish are active, predatory, and visually striking freshwater fish. Their shimmering golden body, hunting instincts, and hardy nature make them a fascinating centerpiece for larger community or species-specific tanks.