
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Aplocheilus lineatus
A large killifish with a golden body. It is an aquarium strain selected from the wild form of India and Sri Lanka, swims just under the surface and preys on insects and any fish small enough to swallow. It is hardy and easy to keep.
Aplocheilus lineatus is a killifish widespread in peninsular India and Sri Lanka. FishBase gives a maximum total length of 10.0cm and a common length of 7.0cm, making it a large killifish. It enters brackish water as well as fresh, and has been recorded from upland streams and reservoirs down to lowland rivers, wells, paddy fields and swamps. It holds station just under the surface and has a parietal eye that lets it watch for prey and predators above. In the wild it eats insects and crustaceans as well as small fish, and it has been used for mosquito control. It is not a seasonal killifish, and FishBase describes it as easy to maintain, giving a minimum aquarium size of 80cm. Habitat temperature is 22-25C. Most fish in the trade are the golden wonder strain; wild fish are greenish brown with dark bars on the flanks. It jumps well and will leave an uncovered tank. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Golden Wonder Killifish lives About 6 years.
The Golden Wonder Killifish grows to 7-10cm.
The ideal temperature for the Golden Wonder Killifish is 22〜25℃.
Origin
South Asia (peninsular India and Sri Lanka)
Lifespan
About 6 years
Sources: FishBase / Wikipedia (Aplocheilus lineatus)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Aplocheilus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1846)
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
7-10cm
Temperature
22〜25℃
Prepared foods, frozen bloodworm, live insects and crustaceans
FishBase gives a minimum aquarium size of 80cm. It lives just under the surface, so a tank with a wide water surface suits it, and the lid must be closed with no gaps because it jumps well.
FishBase records 22-25C in the wild, in habitats ranging from fresh to brackish water.
It is an ambush predator that watches the surface, and it eats fish small enough to swallow. Combine it with fish of similar size or larger that occupy different levels of the tank.
In the wild it takes insects, crustaceans and small fish. In aquaria it accepts prepared foods, but frozen and live foods should be included.
FishBase states explicitly that it is not a seasonal killifish, so the eggs do not need to be stored dry.
FishBase describes it as easy to maintain. A lid is essential because it jumps. The trade name golden wonder refers to the yellow strain, whose colour differs from wild fish. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Golden Wonder Killifish is 22〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Golden Wonder Killifish is About 6 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Golden Wonder Killifish typically reaches 7-10cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Golden Wonder Killifish feeds on: Prepared foods, frozen bloodworm, live insects and crustaceans. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Golden Wonder Killifish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026