Golden Topminnow

The Golden Topminnow, scientifically known as Fundulus chrysotus, is a small killifish native to the southeastern United States, ranging from Florida and the Gulf Coast states up into parts of the Mississippi River basin. It inhabits quiet backwaters, swamps, and densely vegetated ponds, where it often stays close to the surface among floating plants.

Adult Golden Topminnows typically reach about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length. They have a slender, elongated body with an olive to golden-bronze sheen, often scattered with small black or iridescent spots. Males are more colorful, with brighter golden highlights and sometimes orange or reddish edging on the fins, while females are plainer and slightly larger-bodied.

A tank of at least 15 gallons is suitable for a small group. Golden Topminnows prefer heavily planted aquariums with floating vegetation, as they naturally stay near the surface. A soft sand or fine gravel substrate with plenty of cover helps mimic their wild habitat. Minimal water flow is best, as they come from still or slow-moving waters.

Water parameters should include a temperature range of 68 to 78°F (20 to 25°C), a pH between 6.5 and 7.8, and soft to moderately hard water. They are tolerant of a range of conditions but thrive in clean, well-maintained aquariums with stable water quality.

Feeding Fundulus chrysotus is simple. They are micropredators and eagerly consume small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and insect larvae. They will also accept high-quality flakes or micro pellets, but regular live foods help bring out their natural color and activity.

Golden Topminnows are peaceful and can be housed with other small North American native fish, such as pygmy sunfish, least killifish, or small shiners. Avoid housing them with aggressive or much larger species.

Breeding Golden Topminnows in captivity is possible. They scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, and fry hatch within 1–2 weeks depending on temperature. The fry are tiny and require infusoria or other microscopic foods at first, before transitioning to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Fundulus chrysotus (Golden Topminnow) is a charming, surface-dwelling species that brings subtle golden iridescence and natural grace to heavily planted, North American biotope aquariums.