Can Asian Arowana and Norman's Lampeye Killifish Live Together?

Not Recommended

Asian Arowana and Norman's Lampeye Killifish 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

Norman's Lampeye Killifish

Poropanchax normani

🐠Family Group
Asian Arowana
Oddballs
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Killifish
Temperament
Asian Arowana
Aggressive (8/10)
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Asian Arowana
26–30Β°C
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
22–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Asian Arowana
6–7.5
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Asian Arowana
1–12
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
4–15
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Asian Arowana
Freshwater Only
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Asian Arowana
Moderate
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1000 L
Asian Arowana
1000 L
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Asian Arowana
Top
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
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
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Asian Arowana and Norman's Lampeye Killifish?

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
Norman's Lampeye Killifish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Asian Arowana is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Norman's Lampeye Killifish is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Asian Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Norman's Lampeye Killifish.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Asian Arowana and Norman's Lampeye Killifish increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Asian Arowana and Norman's Lampeye Killifish 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 β€” 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 26Β°C and 28Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 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 4–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Asian Arowana and Norman's Lampeye Killifish 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Asian Arowana and Norman's Lampeye Killifish live together?

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

What size tank do Asian Arowana and Norman's Lampeye Killifish 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 Norman's Lampeye Killifish together?

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

Are Asian Arowana or Norman's Lampeye Killifish aggressive?

Asian Arowana is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Norman's Lampeye Killifish 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 Norman's Lampeye Killifish need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key β€” 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 dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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