Can Asian Arowana and Asian Upside Down Catfish Live Together?
Keeping Asian Arowana and Asian Upside Down Catfish 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 Asian Arowana and Asian Upside Down Catfish?
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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Both Asian Arowana and Asian Upside Down Catfish are semi-aggressive species with an aggression score of 8/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.
Both Asian Arowana and Asian Upside Down Catfish are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.
In terms of spatial distribution, Asian Arowana prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Asian Upside Down Catfish occupies the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.
Worth noting: Asian Upside Down Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Asian Arowana 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 Asian Arowana and Asian Upside Down Catfish 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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.5°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.
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Tank Setup
To house Asian Arowana and Asian Upside Down Catfish 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: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Asian Arowana and Asian Upside Down Catfish 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 Asian Arowana and Asian Upside Down Catfish 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 Asian Arowana and Asian Upside Down Catfish together?
Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 27°C. A target of around 26.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Asian Arowana or Asian Upside Down Catfish aggressive?
Asian Arowana is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Asian Upside Down Catfish is semi-aggressive (8/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Asian Arowana and Asian Upside Down Catfish 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 Asian Arowana's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Asian Arowana 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.
Does Asian Upside Down Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Asian Upside Down Catfish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Asian Upside Down Catfish during evening hours.
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