Can African Lungfish and Asian Arowana Live Together?
Keeping African Lungfish and Asian Arowana together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 1000 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 Lungfish and Asian Arowana?
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 Lungfish is a highly aggressive species (10/10), while Asian Arowana is semi-aggressive (8/10). This modest difference means African Lungfish may occasionally assert dominance over Asian Arowana.
Both African Lungfish and Asian Arowana are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.
African Lungfish and Asian Arowana both frequent the Top (Surface) 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: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.
Worth noting: African Lungfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both African Lungfish and Asian Arowana to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 30°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 28.0°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 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 5–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house African Lungfish and Asian Arowana together, plan for an aquarium of at least 1000 litres with a minimum length of 240 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with low (still water) 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 Lungfish and Asian Arowana live together?
They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 1000 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
What size tank do African Lungfish and Asian Arowana need?
A minimum of 1000 litres (tank length at least 240 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 Lungfish and Asian Arowana together?
Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 30°C. A target of around 28.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are African Lungfish or Asian Arowana aggressive?
African Lungfish is highly aggressive (10/10) and Asian Arowana is semi-aggressive (8/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do African Lungfish and Asian Arowana need?
Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
How do I manage African Lungfish's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives African Lungfish space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
Related Comparisons
African Lungfish & African Clawed Frog
·
African Lungfish & Australian Pearl Arowana
·
African Lungfish & Reedfish (Ropefish)
·
African Lungfish & African Butterfly Fish
·
African Lungfish & African Pipefish
·
African Lungfish & Black Ghost Knifefish
·
Asian Arowana & Silver Arowana
·
Asian Arowana & Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
·
Asian Arowana & Clown Knifefish
·
Asian Arowana & Florida Gar
·
Asian Arowana & Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
·
Asian Arowana & Tire Track Eel
·