Can Asian Arowana and Peacock Gudgeon Live Together?

Not Recommended

Asian Arowana and Peacock Gudgeon 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

Peacock Gudgeon

Tateurndina ocellicauda

🐠Family Group
Asian Arowana
Oddballs
Peacock Gudgeon
Gobies & Gudgeons
Temperament
Asian Arowana
Aggressive (8/10)
Peacock Gudgeon
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Asian Arowana
26–30Β°C
Peacock Gudgeon
22–26Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Asian Arowana
6–7.5
Peacock Gudgeon
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Asian Arowana
1–12
Peacock Gudgeon
5–10
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Asian Arowana
Freshwater Only
Peacock Gudgeon
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Asian Arowana
Moderate
Peacock Gudgeon
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1000 L
Asian Arowana
1000 L
Peacock Gudgeon
40 L
Swimming Level
βœ“ Different zones
Asian Arowana
Top
Peacock Gudgeon
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
Peacock Gudgeon
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Asian Arowana and Peacock Gudgeon?

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
Peacock Gudgeon
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Asian Arowana is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Peacock Gudgeon is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Asian Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Peacock Gudgeon.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Asian Arowana and Peacock Gudgeon increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Asian Arowana prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Peacock Gudgeon 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.

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..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

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 26Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0Β°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 5–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Asian Arowana and Peacock Gudgeon 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. 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 Peacock Gudgeon 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 Peacock Gudgeon 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 Peacock Gudgeon together?

Keep the aquarium between 26Β°C and 26Β°C. A target of around 26.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Asian Arowana or Peacock Gudgeon aggressive?

Asian Arowana is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Peacock Gudgeon is peaceful (2/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Asian Arowana and Peacock Gudgeon 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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