Can Arowana Live With Other Fish – The Ultimate Guide To Successful

Written ByHoward Parker

Thinking about adding an arowana to your aquarium, or perhaps you already have one and are wondering if it can share its majestic space with other fish? You’re not alone! Many aquarists, both new and experienced, grapple with this exact question. Arowanas are truly magnificent creatures, known for their prehistoric beauty and powerful presence. But their size, predatory nature, and unique temperament can make finding suitable tank mates a real head-scratcher.

Don’t worry, my friend. As an experienced aquarist, I’ve navigated these waters many times. The good news is, with careful planning, the right knowledge, and a little patience, the answer to “

can arowana live with other fish

” is a resounding *yes*! You absolutely *can* create a thriving community tank around your arowana.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of arowana compatibility. I’ll share all the tips and best practices I’ve learned over the years, helping you understand how to make a harmonious home for your prized fish. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap, packed with actionable advice, to successfully house your arowana with companions. Let’s unlock the secrets to a stunning and peaceful arowana community tank!

Understanding Your Arowana: A Glimpse into Their World

Before we talk about who your arowana can live with, let’s get to know these incredible fish a bit better. Understanding their natural instincts and needs is the first step in successful cohabitation. Arowanas are ancient predators, often called “dragon fish” due to their shimmering scales and powerful bodies. They are top-water hunters, known for their impressive jumps and opportunistic feeding habits.

Arowana Temperament and Behavior

Arowanas are generally considered solitary in the wild, but in a large enough aquarium, their territorial instincts can sometimes be managed. Each arowana has a unique personality. Some can be quite docile, while others are aggressive and territorial. This individual variation is a crucial factor when considering tank mates.

They are intelligent and can recognize their owners, often showing a curious and engaging personality. However, never forget their predatory nature. Anything that fits into their mouth is, to them, potential food. This is the golden rule you’ll need to remember for successful cohabitation.

The Golden Rule: Tank Size and Environment for Arowana Community Tanks

This is arguably the most critical factor when considering if an arowana can live with other fish. Arowanas grow large – some species can reach up to three feet in length! This alone demands a massive tank, but adding tank mates multiplies that requirement significantly.

Minimum Tank Size for Cohabitation

For a single arowana with tank mates, you’re looking at a **minimum of 250-300 gallons**, and frankly, bigger is always better. A 400-gallon or even 500-gallon tank provides the necessary swimming space, territorial boundaries, and dilution of waste that a community of large fish requires.

Why so big?

  • Swimming Space: Arowanas are active swimmers. They need ample room to turn and cruise without feeling cramped.
  • Territory: Larger tanks allow fish to establish their own territories, reducing stress and aggression.
  • Waste Management: More fish mean more waste. A larger water volume helps dilute nitrates and provides stability.

Skimping on tank size is one of the most common problems with arowana community tanks and almost always leads to stress, aggression, and health issues.

Aquascaping for Harmony: Creating Safe Zones

The layout of your tank plays a huge role in minimizing conflict. Think about creating visual barriers and hiding spots, even for large fish.

Here are some can arowana live with other fish tips for aquascaping:

  • Break Line of Sight: Use large pieces of driftwood, sturdy rocks, or even tall, robust artificial plants to create visual breaks. This prevents fish from constantly seeing each other, which can reduce territorial disputes.
  • Open Swimming Space: While barriers are good, ensure there’s still plenty of open water for the arowana to swim freely, especially at the top.
  • Secure Decor: All decorations must be heavy and stable. Large fish can easily knock over unsecured items.
  • Substrate: A fine, soft substrate is ideal, as some tank mates (like stingrays or certain catfish) appreciate it.

Remember, the goal is to create an environment where all inhabitants feel secure and have their own space.

Water Parameters: The Foundation of a Healthy Home

Maintaining pristine water quality is paramount, especially in a heavily stocked arowana community tank. Large fish produce a lot of waste, so your filtration system needs to be robust.

Aim for:

  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C) – consistent and stable.
  • pH: 6.5-7.5 – most arowana species prefer slightly acidic to neutral.
  • Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm (parts per million).
  • Nitrate: Below 20 ppm is ideal.

Invest in powerful external canister filters, sumps, or even multiple filters to handle the bioload. Regular, large water changes (25-50% weekly or bi-weekly) are non-negotiable for a healthy and **sustainable can arowana live with other fish** setup.

Navigating Compatibility: Best Practices for “can arowana live with other fish”

Now for the exciting part: choosing tank mates! This requires careful consideration, research, and a deep understanding of fish behavior. This is where the **can arowana live with other fish best practices** really come into play.

Size Matters: The “Too Big to Eat, Too Small to Fight” Rule

This is the cardinal rule for arowana tank mates. Any fish you introduce must be:

  • Too Large to Eat: Crucially, the tank mate must be significantly larger than the arowana’s mouth. A good rule of thumb is at least two-thirds the length of the arowana, and ideally, much bulkier. Arowanas have surprisingly large mouths!
  • Not Aggressive Enough to Fight: While they need to be robust, they shouldn’t be overly aggressive or territorial to the point of bullying the arowana. The arowana is the centerpiece, and while it can defend itself, constant stress isn’t healthy.

Avoid any fish that are slender or could be perceived as “prey” size, no matter how fast you think they are. Arowanas are lightning fast when they want to be.

Temperament Match: Avoiding Conflict

Select tank mates with a similar temperament. Peaceful yet robust fish are ideal.

  • Avoid overly timid fish: They will be stressed and hide constantly, eventually wasting away.
  • Avoid overly aggressive fish: While some aggressive cichlids can work, they must be chosen with extreme caution and in very large tanks, as they can injure the arowana.
  • Semi-aggressive is often best: Fish that can hold their own but aren’t constantly looking for a fight.

Swimming Levels: Distributing the Peace

Think about where different fish spend their time in the water column.

  • Top Dwellers: Arowanas dominate the top. Avoid other large, surface-dwelling fish that will compete directly for space.
  • Mid-Water: Many cichlids and larger schooling fish occupy this zone.
  • Bottom Dwellers: Catfish and stingrays are excellent choices as they stay out of the arowana’s way and clean up uneaten food.

Distributing your fish across different levels of the tank helps reduce direct competition and territorial disputes, promoting a more harmonious environment.

Feeding Strategies for a Community Tank

Arowanas are fast eaters and can easily outcompete slower tank mates. This is a common **common problems with can arowana live with other fish** scenario if not managed.

To ensure everyone gets enough food:

  • Feed multiple times a day: Smaller, more frequent meals are better.
  • Distribute food widely: Drop food in different areas of the tank simultaneously.
  • Target feed: If necessary, use tongs or a feeding stick to offer food directly to slower tank mates while the arowana is distracted.
  • Varied Diet: Offer a mix of high-quality pellets, frozen foods (shrimp, krill, mussels), and occasional live treats.

A well-fed arowana is generally a less aggressive arowana.

Ideal Tank Mates: Who Can Arowana Live With?

Alright, let’s get to the specifics! Based on the principles above, here are some of the best candidates for an arowana community tank. Remember, these are general guidelines; always observe your specific fish.

Large Cichlids (with caution)

Some larger, robust cichlids can make excellent tank mates, but choose wisely.

  • Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus): A classic companion. Oscars are intelligent and can grow large, but ensure they are not small enough to be eaten when first introduced. They can be territorial, so a very large tank is a must.
  • Green Terror (Andinoacara rivulatus): Another beautiful, robust cichlid. Can be aggressive, so careful selection and ample space are key.
  • Flowerhorn (hybrid): Known for their vibrant colors and personality. They can be very aggressive, so this is a high-risk, high-reward choice for only the largest, most carefully managed setups.

Large Catfish

Many large catfish species are fantastic bottom-dwelling tank mates. They are often armored or too large to be bothered by an arowana.

  • Plec (various species, e.g., Common Pleco, Sailfin Pleco): Excellent algae eaters and bottom dwellers. Ensure they grow large enough not to be considered food.
  • Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus): Active, schooling catfish that get a decent size. They are fast and occupy lower water levels.
  • Synodontis Catfish (various larger species): Many are robust and active, adding interest to the lower tank levels.

Datnoids (Tiger Fish)

Datnoids (e.g., *Datnioides microlepis*) are beautiful, predatory fish that often thrive with arowanas. They have similar water parameter requirements and grow to a comparable size. Their unique striped patterns make them a striking addition.

Freshwater Stingrays (Advanced)

For the truly ambitious aquarist with an *enormous* tank (500+ gallons, with a large footprint), freshwater stingrays can be compatible. They occupy the very bottom of the tank, are unique, and generally peaceful towards fish that don’t fit in their mouths. This is an **eco-friendly can arowana live with other fish** option if sourced responsibly, but requires advanced husbandry.

Gar Species

Various gar species (e.g., Florida Gar, Spotted Gar) can cohabit with arowanas. They are also predatory, but generally peaceful towards fish they cannot swallow. They add a fascinating, ancient look to the aquarium.

Pacu (Very Large Tanks Only)

Pacu species (e.g., Red-bellied Pacu) are large, herbivorous fish that can grow enormous. They are generally peaceful but require truly immense tanks (thousands of gallons) due to their adult size. This is a commitment for the long term.

Other Arowana Species (Advanced & Risky)

While some aquarists successfully keep multiple arowanas together, this is an advanced strategy and comes with significant risks. It requires an extremely large tank (often custom-built), careful selection of individuals, and the understanding that aggression can flare up at any time. This is not for the faint of heart or typical home aquarium.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them (can arowana live with other fish problems)

Even with the best planning, challenges can arise. Being prepared helps you tackle them head-on.

Aggression and Bullying

The most common issue.

  • Signs: Torn fins, hiding, rapid breathing, chasing, loss of color.
  • Solution: Re-evaluate tank mate compatibility. Increase hiding spots or visual barriers. If persistent, consider separating the fish. Sometimes, removing the aggressor (even if it’s the arowana) or the bullied fish is the only option.

Competition for Food

As discussed, arowanas are fast.

  • Signs: Some tank mates appear thin, lethargic, or show signs of malnutrition.
  • Solution: Implement the feeding strategies mentioned earlier (multiple feedings, wide distribution, target feeding). Ensure the diet is balanced and nutritious for all species.

Water Quality Deterioration

More large fish equals more waste.

  • Signs: Cloudy water, high ammonia/nitrite/nitrate readings, fish gasping at the surface, lethargy.
  • Solution: Increase filter capacity, perform more frequent and larger water changes. Consider adding live plants (though some large fish might uproot them) or a refugium for natural filtration.

Stress and Disease

A stressed fish is a weak fish.

  • Signs: Lack of appetite, clamped fins, dull coloration, susceptibility to common diseases like Ich or fin rot.
  • Solution: Address the root cause of stress (aggression, poor water quality). Ensure stable parameters and a peaceful environment. Quarantine new fish to prevent disease introduction.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Arowana Keeping

As responsible aquarists, it’s important to consider the broader impact of our hobby. This ties directly into **sustainable can arowana live with other fish** practices.

Responsible Sourcing of Fish

Always purchase your arowana and tank mates from reputable breeders or fish stores. Inquire about their sourcing. Ideally, choose captive-bred fish over wild-caught to reduce pressure on wild populations. This is a key part of **eco-friendly can arowana live with other fish** care.

Energy Efficiency

Large tanks use a lot of power.

  • Heaters: Invest in high-quality, efficient heaters. Insulate your tank if possible (e.g., background insulation).
  • Lighting: Use LED lighting, which is far more energy-efficient and has a longer lifespan than traditional fluorescent bulbs.

Waste Management and Water Conservation

Water changes are necessary, but we can be mindful.

  • Water Change Water: Use the nutrient-rich water from your water changes to water your garden or houseplants.
  • Efficient Filtration: A well-maintained filter system reduces the need for emergency water changes and keeps your tank healthier, leading to less resource consumption in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arowana Cohabitation

Here are some common questions I hear about keeping arowanas with other fish.

Can an arowana live with a Pleco?

Yes, many species of Pleco can be excellent tank mates for arowanas. They are bottom dwellers, often armored, and grow large enough not to be eaten. Ensure the Pleco is not tiny when introduced and that it’s a robust species suitable for large cichlid tanks.

How many tank mates can an arowana have?

This depends heavily on the tank size and the specific tank mates. In a 300-gallon tank, you might comfortably house one arowana with 3-5 large, compatible tank mates (e.g., a couple of Oscars, a large Pleco, and a Datnoid). The key is not to overcrowd; always err on the side of fewer, larger fish in a bigger space.

What size tank do I need for an arowana and tank mates?

For a single arowana with a few large tank mates, a minimum of 250-300 gallons is recommended. For multiple arowanas or a larger community of big fish, you should consider 400-500 gallons or more. The bigger the tank, the more stable the environment and the less aggression you’ll likely see.

Can arowana live with smaller fish?

Generally, no. Arowanas are predatory, and anything that fits into their mouth is considered food. While some aquarists claim success with very fast, small schooling fish, this is highly risky and often ends with the smaller fish becoming a meal. It’s best to stick to the “too big to eat” rule.

What are the benefits of can arowana live with other fish?

The benefits are immense! A well-planned community tank offers a more visually stunning and dynamic display. Tank mates can provide enrichment for the arowana, encouraging more natural behaviors. It creates a diverse ecosystem within your home, offering a fascinating glimpse into the aquatic world. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to successfully manage such a magnificent setup!

Conclusion

So, **can arowana live with other fish**? Absolutely! While it requires commitment, research, and a substantial investment in tank size and filtration, the reward of a breathtaking arowana community tank is truly unparalleled. Remember the golden rules: prioritize tank size, choose tank mates wisely based on size and temperament, and maintain impeccable water quality.

It’s a journey of learning, observation, and adjustment. Don’t be afraid to start small, add fish slowly, and always be prepared to adapt if things don’t go as planned. With the practical advice and **can arowana live with other fish guide** we’ve explored today, you’re well-equipped to create a harmonious and awe-inspiring aquatic masterpiece. Happy fishkeeping, and enjoy the majestic beauty of your arowana and its companions!

Howard Parker
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