Can African Arowana and Arapaima Live Together?
Keeping African Arowana and Arapaima together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 15000 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle African Arowana and Arapaima?
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.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Behaviour & Temperament
African Arowana is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Arapaima is semi-aggressive (7/10). This modest difference means Arapaima may occasionally assert dominance over African Arowana.
African Arowana and Arapaima both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
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: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 30°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°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 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house African Arowana and Arapaima together, plan for an aquarium of at least 15000 litres with a minimum length of 600 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 — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), 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.
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can African Arowana and Arapaima live together?
They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 15000 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
What size tank do African Arowana and Arapaima need?
A minimum of 15000 litres (tank length at least 600 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 African Arowana and Arapaima together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 30°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are African Arowana or Arapaima aggressive?
African Arowana is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Arapaima is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do African Arowana and Arapaima need?
Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Related Comparisons
African Arowana & Black Ghost Knifefish
·
African Arowana & Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
·
African Arowana & Peter's Elephantnose Fish
·
African Arowana & African Knifefish
·
African Arowana & Antennae Stingray
·
African Arowana & Fire Eel
·
Arapaima & African Butterfly Fish
·
Arapaima & Emperor Snakehead
·
Arapaima & African Lungfish
·
Arapaima & Alligator Gar
·
Arapaima & Asian Arowana
·
Arapaima & Australian Pearl Arowana
·