Can Asian Arowana and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) Live Together?

Asian Arowana is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) is semi-aggressive (7/10). This modest difference means Asian Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish).

Both Asian Arowana and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

In terms of spatial distribution, Asian Arowana prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) 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.

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.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Asian Arowana needs 1–12 dGH while Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) requires 15–30 dGH.

To house Asian Arowana and Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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 Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish) 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.