Aphyosemion gardneri “Gold”
Fundulopanchax gardneri (formerly Aphyosemion gardneri)
Common names: Gold Gardneri Killifish, Golden Lyretail Killifish
Overview
The Gold Gardneri Killifish is a selectively bred color morph of the classic Fundulopanchax gardneri, one of the most popular killifish in the hobby. Hardy, colourful, and easy to breed, the gold variant is known for its bright yellow-gold body, red speckling, and prominent lyretail fin extensions.
This is an ideal killifish for beginners and experienced keepers alike, thriving in planted aquaria and in small species setups.
Distribution
Fundulopanchax gardneri originates from:
Nigeria
Cameroon
Shallow forest streams, marshes, and ponds
Note:
The gold morph is captive-bred and does not occur naturally, but its care is identical to the wild-type.
Size
6–7 cm
Males larger and more colourful
Lifespan
3–5 years in captivity
Appearance
Bright yellow-gold body
Dense red spotting along flanks
Long lyretail extensions on caudal fin
Electric blue sheen on face in some lines
Females golden but duller, shorter fins
Behaviour & Temperament
Peaceful but males may spar lightly
Best kept as pair or trio (1 male : 2 females)
Active top–mid swimmers
Escape artists – tight lid required
Do very well in quiet, planted tanks
Aquarium Requirements
Tank Size
20–40 L for a pair or trio
Larger tanks possible but not required
Water Parameters
Temperature: 20–24°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
GH: 2–10 dGH
Adaptable but prefers soft, slightly acidic water
Substrate & Décor
Dark sand
Dense plants (moss, Java fern, Anubias, floating plants)
Driftwood & leaf litter
Spawning mops if breeding
Filtration & Flow
Sponge filter ideal
Gentle flow only
Clean, stable water preferred
Diet
Micro-predator; thrives on:
Live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae)
Frozen foods of same type
High-quality micro-pellets
Good flake foods accepted
Feed small, frequent meals for best colour.
Tankmates
Suitable with peaceful nano species:
Ember tetras
Neon/green neon tetras
Pencilfish
Small rasboras
Otocinclus
Shrimp (except newborns)
Avoid:
Fast or aggressive feeders
Fin-nippers
Large or boisterous fish
Often best kept species-only for behaviour and breeding.
Breeding
One of the easiest killifish to breed.
Method
Spawning mops or fine plants
Pair/trio spawning
Eggs adhesive
Adults may eat some eggs—better to remove mops
Incubation
12–21 days depending on temperature
No dry incubation needed (non-annual species)
Fry Care
Infusoria & microworms for first few days
Baby brine shrimp after 4–5 days
Grow quickly with good feeding
Care Level
Easy
Main challenges:
Need a tight lid
Prefer gentle flow
Cooler temperature range than most tropicals