Can African Arowana and Incolicana Corydoras Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping African Arowana and Incolicana Corydoras 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

Incolicana Corydoras

Corydoras incolicana

🐠Family Group
African Arowana
Oddballs
Incolicana Corydoras
Catfish
Temperament
African Arowana
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Incolicana Corydoras
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
African Arowana
24–30Β°C
Incolicana Corydoras
22–26Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
African Arowana
6.5–8
Incolicana Corydoras
5–7.2
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
African Arowana
5–15
Incolicana Corydoras
2–12
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
African Arowana
Freshwater Only
Incolicana Corydoras
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
African Arowana
Moderate
Incolicana Corydoras
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1500 L
African Arowana
1500 L
Incolicana Corydoras
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
African Arowana
MiddleBottom
Incolicana Corydoras
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
African Arowana
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Incolicana Corydoras
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle African Arowana and Incolicana Corydoras?

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
Incolicana Corydoras
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

African Arowana is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Incolicana Corydoras is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means African Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Incolicana Corydoras.

African Arowana and Incolicana Corydoras both frequent the 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.

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 24Β°C and 26Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.2. 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 African Arowana and Incolicana Corydoras 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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 Incolicana Corydoras 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 Incolicana Corydoras 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 Incolicana Corydoras together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 26Β°C. A target of around 25.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are African Arowana or Incolicana Corydoras aggressive?

African Arowana is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Incolicana Corydoras is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do African Arowana and Incolicana Corydoras need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.2 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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