Can Asian Arowana and Delicate Blue-Eye Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Asian Arowana and Delicate Blue-Eye 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

Asian Arowana

Scleropages formosus

Delicate Blue-Eye

Pseudomugil tenellus

🐠Family Group
Asian Arowana
Oddballs
Delicate Blue-Eye
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Asian Arowana
Aggressive (8/10)
Delicate Blue-Eye
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Asian Arowana
26–30°C
Delicate Blue-Eye
25–32°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Asian Arowana
6–7.5
Delicate Blue-Eye
5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Asian Arowana
1–12
Delicate Blue-Eye
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Asian Arowana
Freshwater Only
Delicate Blue-Eye
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Asian Arowana
Moderate
Delicate Blue-Eye
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1000 L
Asian Arowana
1000 L
Delicate Blue-Eye
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Asian Arowana
Top
Delicate Blue-Eye
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Asian Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Delicate Blue-Eye
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Asian Arowana and Delicate Blue-Eye?

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.

Asian Arowana
Delicate Blue-Eye
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Asian Arowana is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Delicate Blue-Eye is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Asian Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Delicate Blue-Eye.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Asian Arowana and Delicate Blue-Eye increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Asian Arowana and Delicate Blue-Eye 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.

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

Worth noting: Asian Arowana is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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.

Tank Setup

To house Asian Arowana and Delicate Blue-Eye 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.

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: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. 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

Asian Arowana and Delicate Blue-Eye 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Asian Arowana and Delicate Blue-Eye live together?

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

What size tank do Asian Arowana and Delicate Blue-Eye 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 Delicate Blue-Eye 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 Asian Arowana or Delicate Blue-Eye aggressive?

Asian Arowana is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Delicate Blue-Eye is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Asian Arowana and Delicate Blue-Eye 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.

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
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