Can African Arowana and Humpbacked Limia Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping African Arowana and Humpbacked Limia together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. 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

African Arowana

Heterotis niloticus

Humpbacked Limia

Limia nigrofasciata

🐠Family Group
African Arowana
Oddballs
Humpbacked Limia
Livebearers
Temperament
African Arowana
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Humpbacked Limia
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
African Arowana
24–30°C
Humpbacked Limia
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
African Arowana
6.5–8
Humpbacked Limia
7.2–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
African Arowana
5–15
Humpbacked Limia
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
African Arowana
Freshwater Only
Humpbacked Limia
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
African Arowana
Moderate
Humpbacked Limia
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1500 L
African Arowana
1500 L
Humpbacked Limia
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
African Arowana
MiddleBottom
Humpbacked Limia
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
African Arowana
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Humpbacked Limia
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle African Arowana and Humpbacked Limia?

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.

African Arowana
Humpbacked Limia
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

African Arowana is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Humpbacked Limia is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means African Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Humpbacked Limia.

African Arowana and Humpbacked Limia 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.2 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 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house African Arowana and Humpbacked Limia 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 — 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), Plants - Densely covered, Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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 African Arowana and Humpbacked Limia 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 African Arowana and Humpbacked Limia 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 Humpbacked Limia 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 Humpbacked Limia aggressive?

African Arowana is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Humpbacked Limia is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do African Arowana and Humpbacked Limia need?

Both species overlap in the 7.2–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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