What Fish Can Be Kept With Arowana – The Ultimate Guide To Compatible

Written ByHoward Parker

Hey there, fellow aquarist! You’ve brought home one of the most magnificent freshwater fish in the hobby: the arowana. With its shimmering scales, ancient lineage, and powerful presence, an arowana truly commands attention. But as you admire your new aquatic monarch, a common question often surfaces: what fish can be kept with arowana safely and successfully?

You’re not alone in pondering this. Many enthusiasts dream of a vibrant community tank where their arowana coexists peacefully with other species. However, choosing the right tank mates for these apex predators can be a significant challenge, often leading to frustration or, worse, an empty tank for your beloved arowana.

Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will be your trusted companion, demystifying the art and science of selecting compatible companions for your arowana. We promise to equip you with expert insights, practical tips, and a clear understanding of the best practices to create a thriving, harmonious environment.

In the following sections, we’ll dive deep into your arowana’s nature, explore essential compatibility criteria, introduce you to a curated list of suitable tank mates, and arm you with the knowledge to overcome common challenges. Get ready to unlock the secrets to a successful arowana community aquarium!

Understanding Your Arowana: The Key to Compatibility

Before we even think about introducing other fish, it’s crucial to understand your arowana. These aren’t just any fish; they are powerful, territorial, and opportunistic predators. Knowing their natural instincts is the first step in figuring out what fish can be kept with arowana.

The Arowana’s Nature: Predator and Territorial

Arowanas are true hunters. In the wild, their diet consists mainly of insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish. This predatory instinct doesn’t vanish in an aquarium. Anything small enough to fit in their mouth—and sometimes even things that aren’t—is fair game. They are also highly territorial, especially as they mature.

Their impressive size and powerful jaws mean they can quickly dominate a tank. This isn’t aggression for aggression’s sake; it’s simply their natural behavior. Respecting this nature is key to preventing unfortunate incidents in your tank.

Size Matters: Tank Requirements and Growth

Arowanas grow *fast* and *large*. Asian arowanas can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm), while Silver Arowanas can exceed 4 feet (120 cm) in length. This immense growth dictates the minimum tank size: typically 180 gallons (680 liters) for a single adult, with much larger tanks (300+ gallons) preferred for long-term health and especially for community setups.

The sheer volume of water is critical, not just for swimming space, but for diluting waste and maintaining stable water parameters. A cramped arowana is a stressed arowana, and a stressed arowana is more prone to aggression and disease.

Water Parameters: A Shared Environment

Arowanas thrive in pristine, well-oxygenated water with a stable temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C) and a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). When considering what fish can be kept with arowana, their tank mates must share these preferences.

Introducing fish with vastly different water requirements will compromise the health of all inhabitants. Regular, large water changes are non-negotiable for an arowana tank, especially with a community of large fish.

Essential Criteria for Choosing Arowana Tank Mates

Selecting the right companions is an art form. It requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure peace and longevity in your aquarium. This section covers crucial what fish can be kept with arowana tips.

Size Discrepancy: Too Small or Too Large?

This is perhaps the most critical factor. Any fish that can fit into your arowana’s mouth, or even look like it *might* fit, is a potential meal. This means small schooling fish, neon tetras, or even medium-sized gouramis are out of the question.

Conversely, tank mates shouldn’t be so large or aggressive that they intimidate or injure your arowana. The ideal size for a tank mate is roughly one-third to half the length of your arowana, and stout-bodied. This ensures they are too big to be eaten but not so dominant as to cause stress.

Temperament: Aggression vs. Passivity

You’re looking for fish that are robust, somewhat confident, but not overly aggressive or territorial themselves. Highly aggressive cichlids, for example, might challenge your arowana, leading to fights and injury. On the other hand, overly timid or slow-moving fish will be constantly stressed or easily preyed upon.

The best companions are often semi-aggressive to peaceful fish that can hold their own but aren’t looking for a fight. They should also be quick enough to evade a curious arowana’s lunge if necessary.

Swimming Level: Avoiding Direct Competition

Arowanas are primarily top-dwelling fish. They spend most of their time cruising the upper levels of the tank. This provides a natural advantage when selecting tank mates. Ideal companions often occupy the middle or bottom strata of the aquarium, reducing direct competition for space and food.

Bottom dwellers like large catfish or mid-level swimmers like datnoids often make excellent choices, as they largely stay out of the arowana’s primary territory.

Diet Compatibility: Feeding Your Diverse Community

Arowanas are carnivores, primarily eating meaty foods. Their tank mates should ideally share a similar dietary preference. This simplifies feeding time and ensures everyone gets proper nutrition.

However, be prepared to feed your arowana first and perhaps offer a second feeding for the tank mates to ensure the arowana doesn’t hog all the food. Overfeeding to ensure others eat can lead to water quality issues.

Top Picks: What Fish Can Be Kept With Arowana Safely

Now for the exciting part! Based on the criteria above, here’s our expert what fish can be kept with arowana guide, featuring species that have proven to be successful companions in large aquariums.

Large Catfish Species: The Bottom Dwellers

Catfish are often excellent choices as they occupy the bottom of the tank, away from the arowana’s preferred swimming space. They are generally robust and can withstand the arowana’s presence.

  • Plecos (e.g., Common, Sailfin, Gold Nugget): Large plecos are fantastic. They are armored, strong, and spend their time grazing on algae and detritus at the bottom. Ensure they are at least 10-12 inches when introduced to an adult arowana. Avoid smaller, more delicate pleco species.
  • Pimelodids (e.g., Tiger Shovelnose Catfish, Redtail Catfish): These are truly magnificent, large, and fast-growing catfish that can reach impressive sizes (2-3 feet+). They are bottom and mid-dwellers and are generally peaceful but can be predatory towards smaller fish. Only consider these if you have an absolutely massive tank (500+ gallons) as they grow incredibly large and fast.
  • Synodontis Catfish (e.g., Featherfin Squeaker, Upside-Down Catfish – larger species): While many Synodontis are too small, some of the larger species can work. They are active, hardy, and generally peaceful, but ensure they are not bite-sized.

Large Cichlids: The Bold Companions

Some larger cichlids can make good tank mates, but their temperament requires careful monitoring. They are intelligent and can be territorial, so choose wisely.

  • Oscar Fish: A classic tank mate for arowanas. Oscars are robust, intelligent, and can hold their own. They share similar water parameter needs and diet. However, they can be boisterous and sometimes nip fins, so observe interactions closely. Introducing them at a similar size or when the Oscar is slightly smaller than the arowana can help.
  • Green Terror: As the name suggests, these cichlids can be aggressive. However, a large, well-established Green Terror can sometimes coexist with an arowana, especially in a very spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots. Exercise caution and be prepared to separate if aggression escalates.
  • Severum Cichlids: Generally more peaceful than Oscars or Green Terrors, Severums are large, beautiful cichlids that can make good mid-level tank mates. They are less likely to initiate aggression but are still robust enough not to be intimidated.
  • Flowerhorn Cichlid: While visually stunning, Flowerhorns are highly aggressive and territorial. They are generally *not* recommended as arowana tank mates, especially for beginners. The risk of injury to both fish is very high.

Other Large & Robust Fish

Beyond catfish and cichlids, several other species can thrive alongside an arowana.

  • Datnoids (Siamese Tiger Fish): These striking, bar-bodied fish are excellent choices. They are robust, can grow large, and are relatively peaceful, preferring the middle and lower levels of the tank. They are also predatory, so ensure they are too large for the arowana to eat.
  • Silver Dollars: These shimmering, disc-shaped fish are peaceful schooling fish that stay in the mid-to-upper levels. They are fast swimmers and can reach a good size (6-8 inches), making them difficult for an arowana to swallow. Keep them in groups of at least six to help them feel secure.
  • Parrot Cichlids (larger specimens): These hybrid cichlids are generally peaceful but can be territorial. Larger Parrot Cichlids (over 6 inches) can sometimes be kept with arowanas, but their unusual mouth shape can make them less efficient predators, which is a double-edged sword. Monitor carefully.
  • Giant Gourami: These gentle giants can grow very large (up to 2 feet) and are surprisingly peaceful for their size. They are top and mid-dwellers, so ensure they are introduced when already substantial in size to avoid being mistaken for prey.

Common Problems with Arowana Tank Mates & How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, issues can arise. Understanding common problems with what fish can be kept with arowana can help you troubleshoot and prevent them.

Aggression and Fin Nipping

Sometimes, an arowana might nip at the fins of its tank mates, or a tank mate might nip at the arowana. This is often a sign of stress, overcrowding, or territorial disputes. If you notice fin damage, assess the situation immediately.

Solution: Ensure adequate tank size, provide plenty of hiding spots (but not too many that visibility is obstructed), and consider if the tank mates are truly compatible. Sometimes, separating the aggressor or victim is the only option.

Predation: When Tank Mates Become Dinner

The most heartbreaking problem is when a tank mate, previously thought to be safe, becomes a meal. This usually happens when the size difference is too small, or the arowana has a sudden growth spurt.

Solution: Always err on the side of caution with size. If there’s any doubt, don’t introduce the fish. Never add fish that are less than one-third your arowana’s length. Always provide varied and sufficient food for your arowana to reduce its predatory drive.

Stress and Hiding Behavior

If your tank mates are constantly hiding, darting, or showing faded colors, they might be stressed by the arowana’s presence. Chronic stress weakens their immune system and can lead to disease.

Solution: Ensure tank mates have adequate hiding places that are inaccessible to the arowana. Observe their feeding behavior. If they’re too scared to eat, they’re not suitable. Sometimes, adding more of the same schooling fish can help them feel more secure.

Overcrowding and Water Quality Issues

Adding multiple large fish to an already large arowana can quickly lead to an overcrowded tank and rapidly deteriorating water quality. High nitrate and ammonia levels are toxic and will harm all your fish.

Solution: Always choose tank size based on the *adult* size of all your planned inhabitants. Invest in powerful filtration (sump, canister filters) and stick to a strict schedule of large, weekly water changes. Monitoring water parameters constantly is part of what fish can be kept with arowana care guide.

Setting Up for Success: What Fish Can Be Kept With Arowana Best Practices

Beyond choosing the right fish, how you set up and manage your aquarium plays a massive role in the success of your arowana community. These are essential what fish can be kept with arowana best practices.

Tank Size: Go Big or Go Home

We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: tank size is paramount. For a single adult arowana, 180 gallons is a minimum. For a community tank, you’re looking at 300 gallons (1135 liters) or more, especially if you want to keep multiple large tank mates. A larger tank provides more swimming space, dilutes aggression, and offers greater stability for water parameters.

Aquascaping for Harmony: Hiding Spots and Territories

While arowanas prefer open swimming space, their tank mates will benefit immensely from a thoughtfully aquascaped environment. Use large pieces of driftwood, smooth rocks, or robust artificial plants to create visual barriers and hiding spots.

Ensure these decorations are securely placed and don’t have sharp edges that could injure your fish. Creating distinct territories can help reduce squabbles between tank mates and provide a sense of security.

Introduction Protocol: The Gradual Approach

Never just dump new fish into an existing arowana tank. Always quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks in a separate tank to monitor for diseases. Once healthy, introduce them carefully.

Some aquarists recommend rearranging the tank decor slightly when introducing new fish to disrupt existing territories. Introduce multiple tank mates at once (if they are schooling fish) to spread out any initial aggression. Always supervise closely during the first few hours and days.

Feeding Strategies: Keeping Everyone Satiated

A well-fed arowana is generally a less aggressive arowana. Offer a varied diet of high-quality pellets, frozen foods (krill, silversides, bloodworms), and occasional live feeders (ethically sourced and quarantined).

When feeding, consider dropping food in different areas of the tank to ensure all fish get enough. Sometimes, feeding the arowana first, then the bottom dwellers, can work. A feeding stick can also help direct food to specific fish.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Practices

As responsible aquarists, we should always consider the origins of our fish. Opt for captive-bred fish whenever possible to reduce pressure on wild populations. Research the specific needs of each species to ensure you can provide a suitable, long-term home.

Practicing regular maintenance, using energy-efficient equipment, and responsibly disposing of waste water are all part of creating an eco-friendly what fish can be kept with arowana setup.

Benefits of a Well-Chosen Arowana Community Tank

While challenging, creating a harmonious arowana community tank offers immense rewards. The benefits of what fish can be kept with arowana successfully go beyond just aesthetics.

Enhanced Visual Appeal

A tank with just an arowana, while impressive, can sometimes feel a bit empty. Adding suitable tank mates creates a dynamic, multi-layered display. The contrast of different shapes, colors, and swimming patterns against the majestic arowana is truly breathtaking.

Imagine your arowana gliding gracefully at the top, while a school of shimmering Silver Dollars occupies the mid-water, and a large pleco diligently cleans the bottom. It’s a living piece of art.

Natural Behaviors and Enrichment

In a properly stocked community tank, your arowana and its companions can exhibit more natural behaviors. The presence of other large fish can provide a form of enrichment, stimulating your arowana’s senses and preventing boredom.

Tank mates can also help to break up the arowana’s reflection, which can sometimes be a source of stress or aggression for a solitary fish.

Algae Control (with appropriate tank mates)

While not their primary function, large plecos and other herbivorous bottom dwellers can contribute to algae control, keeping your tank cleaner and reducing maintenance tasks for you. This is a practical benefit that adds to the overall health and aesthetics of your aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arowana Tank Mates

Let’s tackle some common queries you might have about keeping arowanas with other fish.

Can I keep multiple Arowanas together?

Generally, no, unless you have an exceptionally large aquarium (many hundreds of gallons) and introduce them all as juveniles simultaneously. Arowanas are highly territorial towards their own kind and will often fight to the death as they mature. It’s a high-risk endeavor not recommended for most hobbyists.

What about small schooling fish?

Absolutely not. Any fish small enough to be considered a snack will eventually become one. Arowanas have powerful predatory instincts, and even peaceful schooling fish will be seen as food. Stick to large, robust species.

How do I introduce new tank mates safely?

Quarantine new fish for at least two weeks. When ready, introduce them to the main tank at night or with the lights off, allowing them time to acclimate without immediate confrontation. Feed your arowana well before introduction. Observe closely for the first few days.

What if my Arowana becomes aggressive towards its tank mates?

First, check tank size and water parameters. Stress often leads to aggression. If the aggression persists, try rearranging decor to break up territories. As a last resort, be prepared to separate the fish. Sometimes, a specific arowana simply isn’t suited for a community tank.

Are there any fish I should never keep with an Arowana?

Yes. Avoid small, delicate, or slow-moving fish (e.g., guppies, tetras, angelfish, discus). Also avoid overly aggressive or fin-nipping fish that could injure your arowana (e.g., certain highly aggressive cichlids like Midas cichlids, or piranhas). Extremely large, aggressive catfish like some species of Pangasius or larger predatory gars can also pose a threat to the arowana itself.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of creating a community tank for your arowana is a rewarding experience that demands patience, research, and a keen eye for observation. By understanding your arowana’s natural instincts, carefully selecting compatible tank mates based on size, temperament, and swimming level, and implementing best practices for setup and care, you can achieve a stunning and harmonious aquatic display.

Remember, every fish has its own personality, and what works for one arowana might not work for another. Be prepared to adapt, learn, and make adjustments as needed. With the right approach and a commitment to providing the best possible environment, you’ll witness your magnificent arowana thriving alongside its companions, creating an aquarium that is truly a marvel to behold. You’ve got this, fellow aquarist – go forth and create your dream arowana community!

Howard Parker
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