Golden Toppminnow Care Guide

The Golden Topminnow is a charming, surface-dwelling killifish native to slow-moving freshwater habitats across the southeastern United States. Named for its metallic golden spots and surface-skimming behaviour, this peaceful species adds activity and sparkle to the upper level of your tank.

Golden Topminnows thrive in planted aquariums with gentle flow and plenty of surface cover like floating plants. They’re tolerant of a range of water conditions, doing well in slightly acidic to alkaline water and moderate temperatures. A secure lid is essential—they’re skilled jumpers.

In terms of diet, they’re omnivorous and will accept most small foods including crushed flakes, live or frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae. In the wild, they eat insects and small crustaceans, so offering variety helps mimic their natural feeding.

These fish are best kept in small groups but can be housed singly or in pairs. They are peaceful and make good tank mates for other gentle species that won’t outcompete them at the surface. However, their small size and calm nature mean they should not be mixed with aggressive or boisterous fish.