Can Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and African Arowana Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and African Arowana together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 1500 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera

Aequidens sp. 'Jenaro Herrera'

African Arowana

Heterotis niloticus

🐠Family Group
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Cichlids - South American
African Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
African Arowana
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
24–28Β°C
African Arowana
24–30Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
6–7.5
African Arowana
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
2–12
African Arowana
5–15
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Freshwater Only
African Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Moderate
African Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1500 L
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
200 L
African Arowana
1500 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
MiddleBottom
African Arowana
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
Territorial (Defends specific area)Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Fry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
African Arowana
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and African Arowana?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
African Arowana
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while African Arowana is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Aequidens Jenaro Herrera may occasionally assert dominance over African Arowana.

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and African Arowana both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: African Arowana is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and African Arowana to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and African Arowana together, plan for an aquarium of at least 1500 litres with a minimum length of 250 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots β€” caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters β€” so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and African Arowana live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 1500 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and African Arowana need?

A minimum of 1500 litres (tank length at least 250 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and African Arowana together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. A target of around 26.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Aequidens Jenaro Herrera or African Arowana aggressive?

Aequidens Jenaro Herrera is moderately assertive (5/10) and African Arowana is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Aequidens Jenaro Herrera and African Arowana need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Aequidens Jenaro Herrera's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Aequidens Jenaro Herrera space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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