Can Amano Shrimp and Australian Pearl Arowana Live Together?

Not Recommended

Amano Shrimp and Australian Pearl Arowana are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

Australian Pearl Arowana

Scleropages jardinii

🐠Family Group
Amano Shrimp
Invertebrates
Australian Pearl Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Amano Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Australian Pearl Arowana
Highly Aggressive (9/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
18–28Β°C
Australian Pearl Arowana
24–30Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
6–7.5
Australian Pearl Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
4–14
Australian Pearl Arowana
2–15
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Australian Pearl Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Amano Shrimp
Moderate
Australian Pearl Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 800 L
Amano Shrimp
38 L
Australian Pearl Arowana
800 L
Swimming Level
βœ“ Different zones
Amano Shrimp
BottomMiddle
Australian Pearl Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Amano Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Australian Pearl Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Amano Shrimp and Australian Pearl 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.

Amano Shrimp
Australian Pearl Arowana
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Amano Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Australian Pearl Arowana is highly aggressive (9/10). This notable difference means Australian Pearl Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Amano Shrimp.

Large aggression gap (8 points) between Amano Shrimp and Australian Pearl Arowana increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Amano Shrimp prefers the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) zones, whereas Australian Pearl Arowana 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.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other β€” piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Worth noting: Amano Shrimp is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0Β°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 4–14 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Amano Shrimp and Australian Pearl Arowana together, plan for an aquarium of at least 800 litres with a minimum length of 200 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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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 Amano Shrimp and Australian Pearl Arowana live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities β€” such as critical behavioural conflicts β€” make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Amano Shrimp and Australian Pearl Arowana need?

A minimum of 800 litres (tank length at least 200 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 Amano Shrimp and Australian Pearl Arowana together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. A target of around 26.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Amano Shrimp or Australian Pearl Arowana aggressive?

Amano Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and Australian Pearl Arowana 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 Amano Shrimp and Australian Pearl Arowana need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Australian Pearl Arowana's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Australian Pearl Arowana space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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