Can Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Arrowhead Puffer

Pao suvattii

Electric Blue Hap

Sciaenochromis fryeri

🐠Family Group
Arrowhead Puffer
Puffers
Electric Blue Hap
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Arrowhead Puffer
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Electric Blue Hap
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Arrowhead Puffer
22–28°C
Electric Blue Hap
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Arrowhead Puffer
6.5–7.5
Electric Blue Hap
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Arrowhead Puffer
5–15
Electric Blue Hap
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Arrowhead Puffer
Freshwater Only
Electric Blue Hap
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Arrowhead Puffer
Moderate
Electric Blue Hap
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Arrowhead Puffer
114 L
Electric Blue Hap
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Arrowhead Puffer
Bottom
Electric Blue Hap
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Arrowhead Puffer
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Snail EaterShrimp EaterGenerally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Electric Blue Hap
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Fry PredatorAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap?

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.

Arrowhead Puffer
Electric Blue Hap
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Arrowhead Puffer is a highly aggressive species (10/10), while Electric Blue Hap is semi-aggressive (7/10). This modest difference means Arrowhead Puffer may occasionally assert dominance over Electric Blue Hap.

Both Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap 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.

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.

The pH requirements of Arrowhead Puffer (6.5–7.5) and Electric Blue Hap (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 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). 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap live together?

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

What size tank do Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap need?

A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap 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 Arrowhead Puffer or Electric Blue Hap aggressive?

Arrowhead Puffer is highly aggressive (10/10) and Electric Blue Hap is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Arrowhead Puffer and Electric Blue Hap need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Arrowhead Puffer prefers 6.5–7.5, while Electric Blue Hap needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Electric Blue Hap's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Electric Blue Hap 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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