Can African Arowana and Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) Live Together?
African Arowana and Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) are not recommended as tank mates due to eye biters attack slow-moving fish, risking permanent injury.. 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 Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)?
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 Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) is highly aggressive (9/10). This notable difference means Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) may occasionally assert dominance over African Arowana.
African Arowana and Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) 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.
There is a critical concern: the Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Eye Biter (Attacks slow moving fish) trait of the other — eye biters attack slow-moving fish, risking permanent injury..
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species. 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°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.
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Tank Setup
To house African Arowana and Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) 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 Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do African Arowana and Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) 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 Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are African Arowana or Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) aggressive?
African Arowana is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) is highly aggressive (9/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do African Arowana and Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) 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.
Will Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) nip African Arowana's fins?
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) is a known fin nipper. If African Arowana has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon) in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
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