Can Asian Arowana and Reticulated Hillstream Loach Live Together?

Asian Arowana is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Reticulated Hillstream Loach is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This notable difference means Asian Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Reticulated Hillstream Loach.

In terms of spatial distribution, Asian Arowana prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Reticulated Hillstream Loach occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. 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.

There is no temperature overlap between Asian Arowana (26–30°C) and Reticulated Hillstream Loach (20–24°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

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.

To house Asian Arowana and Reticulated Hillstream Loach 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), Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - lighly 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.

Asian Arowana and Reticulated Hillstream Loach 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.