Can African Arowana and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) Live Together?
African Arowana and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle African Arowana and Banded Archerfish (Brackish)?
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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
African Arowana is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Banded Archerfish (Brackish) is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Banded Archerfish (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over African Arowana.
In terms of spatial distribution, African Arowana prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) zones, whereas Banded Archerfish (Brackish) occupies the Top (Surface) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.
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.
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 7 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 15–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.
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Tank Setup
To house African Arowana and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) 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.
Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can African Arowana and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do African Arowana and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) 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 African Arowana and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) 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 Banded Archerfish (Brackish) aggressive?
African Arowana is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do African Arowana and Banded Archerfish (Brackish) need?
Both species overlap in the 7–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
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