Golden Panchax
The Golden Panchax, also known as the Golden Wonder Panchax, or the Golden Wonder Killifish is a captive bred gold colour variation of the Indian Striped Panchax (Aplocheilus lineatus). Golden Wonder Panchax are suitable for community aquariums with similar sized fish, and plenty of hiding places and spacious areas for swimming. They are predatory, although not aggressive, so it is not wise to house them with smaller fish, like neon tetra, which may easily fit in their wide mouths.
In the wild, Aplocheilus lineatus can be found in slow moving rivers, streams and lakes, usually at a high altitude. Golden panchax are top-dwelling swimmers, and will thrive in planted aquariums with plenty of space. If you are keeping a group mixture of male and female, a more spacious aquarium is definitely recommended.
Why is the Golden Wonder Panchax called a Killifish?
The term "Killy" in Killifish is derived from the Dutch word for "small stream", likely in reference to its habitat, and has nothing to do with its temperament or behaviour. This has lead to some within the hobby to assume it is an aggressive species, which is generally not the case.
Are Golden Panchax Killifish aggressive?
No, Golden Wonder Panchax are not generally aggressive, although they are predatory. Killifish have wide mouths, so should not be housed with small fish that may fit in their mouth, such as neon or ember tetra. Golden Wonder Panchax are best suited for housing with medium sized fish of a peaceful disposition, and which do not also occupy the top level of the aquarium.
Features
Approx. supplied size: 1-2" / 3-5cm
Maximum size: 4" / 10cm
Origin: India/Sri Lanka, captive tank bred
Family: Aplocheilidae
Temperament: Generally peaceful, community
Lighting requirement: low
Ideal number kept together: 2+
Water Conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 25 °C
Ideal pH: 6.0–7.5
Water flow: low to moderate
Temperature: 22-25 °C
Ease of Care
Easy. Top level swimmer, avoid keeping with other top-swimmers. Wide-mouthed, so keep with similar or larger peaceful community fish.
Feeding
Omnivore. Killifish will accept flake and granules, and live/frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp to supplement.
Breeding
Panchax are easy to breed egg-layers and require no special conditions, although they prefer to lay eggs in mossy plants or mimicking spawning contraptions. The eggs can remain in the aquarium once laid, and will usually hatch within 12-14 days.
Life Span
The lifespan of a Golden Wonder Panchax is around 4 years in perfect conditions.
Photos are for illustration only - one supplied. We are currently unable to specify male or female with this species, sex supplied at random. Colouration and patterning may vary slightly from that pictured.
For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.
