The Golden Wonder Panchax, a cultivated strain originating from the Indian Striped Panchax (Aplocheilus lineatus), boasts a striking gold hue. Ideally suited for aquariums, a pair of these captivating top-dwelling fish necessitates a 3ft-long tank, while a more spacious setup is recommended for larger groups, including multiple males. In their natural habitat, these fish inhabit slow-moving rivers, streams, and high-altitude lakes rich in aquatic vegetation. They are even known to venture into swamps, paddy fields, and slightly brackish waters in certain regions, where they thrive on mosquito larvae found on the water's surface.
A well-designed aquarium for Golden Wonder Panchax includes abundant plants, including floating varieties, providing natural hiding places and territories. Driftwood tangles can be added for additional shelter. Due to their adept jumping abilities, secure tank covers are essential. These predatory fish, with wide mouths, should not be housed with small community fish like Neon Tetras, as the latter may become prey. Ideal tankmates are medium-sized, peaceful fish that do not occupy the extreme top level of the aquarium.
Feeding:
Golden Wonder Panchax thrive on a varied diet of meaty frozen foods, mimicking their natural diet of insects and insect larvae from the water's surface. Preferred options include bloodworms, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Breeding:
Conditioned pairs are acclimatized to a softwater breeding aquarium adorned with fine-leaved plants and floating vegetation. Some aquarists prefer conditioning the male and female separately before introducing them to the breeding aquarium. The female deposits the relatively large-sized eggs among the plants near the water's surface. To protect the eggs from predation, they can be transferred to a separate growing-on tank, or the parent fish can be carefully removed post-spawning. Egg numbers typically range from 100 to 150, with some reports of up to 250 per spawning. Hatching occurs within 11-14 days, temperature-dependent. Newly hatched brine shrimp and finely powdered 'first foods' are provided to the young.
 
Common Name: Golden Killie Panchax  
Origin:Western Africa  
Diet: Carnivorous  
pH Range: 4 – 7  
Temperature: Tropical 26°C – 28°C  
Breed Type: Egg Layer  
Current Size: Approximately 2cm (Grows to approximately 4cm)  
Sex: Un-sexed