Can Asian Arowana and Electric Blue Johannii Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Asian Arowana and Electric Blue Johannii 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

Asian Arowana

Scleropages formosus

Electric Blue Johannii

Pseudotropheus johannii

🐠Family Group
Asian Arowana
Oddballs
Electric Blue Johannii
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Asian Arowana
Aggressive (8/10)
Electric Blue Johannii
Aggressive (8/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Asian Arowana
26–30°C
Electric Blue Johannii
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Asian Arowana
6–7.5
Electric Blue Johannii
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Asian Arowana
1–12
Electric Blue Johannii
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Asian Arowana
Freshwater Only
Electric Blue Johannii
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Asian Arowana
Moderate
Electric Blue Johannii
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1000 L
Asian Arowana
1000 L
Electric Blue Johannii
150 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Asian Arowana
Top
Electric Blue Johannii
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Asian Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Electric Blue Johannii
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Asian Arowana and Electric Blue Johannii?

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
Electric Blue Johannii
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Asian Arowana and Electric Blue Johannii 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 Electric Blue Johannii are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

In terms of spatial distribution, Asian Arowana prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Electric Blue Johannii 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 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 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Asian Arowana (6–7.5) and Electric Blue Johannii (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Asian Arowana and Electric Blue Johannii 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), Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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 Electric Blue Johannii 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 Electric Blue Johannii 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 Electric Blue Johannii 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 Electric Blue Johannii together?

Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Asian Arowana or Electric Blue Johannii aggressive?

Asian Arowana is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Electric Blue Johannii is semi-aggressive (8/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Asian Arowana and Electric Blue Johannii need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Asian Arowana prefers 6–7.5, while Electric Blue Johannii needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

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
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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