Golden Wonder Killifish — a Aplocheilidae from India to Sri Lanka, peaceful but delicate; best in a species setup. Reaches 7.5–11 cm; singly or in pairs; jump risk is real. 22–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
7.5–11 cm
Minimum tank
145 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but delicate; best in a species setup
Origin
India to Sri Lanka
Species overview
Aplocheilidae species Aplocheilus lineatus comes from India to Sri Lanka. An annual-strategy killifish: in nature its pools vanish, so it lives fast and leaves eggs behind. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 7.5–11 cm. Singly or in pairs; jump risk is real. Soft water, live foods and a tight lid cover most of what this short-lived jewel asks. Maintain 22–25 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Singly or in pairs; jump risk is real
Diet
Micropredator — live foods, small frozen fare
Recommended tankmates
Other gentle surface fish — Share the quiet upper water
Avoid keeping with
Uncovered tanks — They jump to their doom
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Spawns in moss; store and rewet eggs to trigger hatching