Can Australian Pearl Arowana and Electric Blue Hap Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Australian Pearl Arowana and Electric Blue Hap 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

Australian Pearl Arowana

Scleropages jardinii

Electric Blue Hap

Sciaenochromis fryeri

🐠Family Group
Australian Pearl Arowana
Oddballs
Electric Blue Hap
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Australian Pearl Arowana
Highly Aggressive (9/10)
Electric Blue Hap
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Australian Pearl Arowana
24–30°C
Electric Blue Hap
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Australian Pearl Arowana
6–7.5
Electric Blue Hap
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Australian Pearl Arowana
2–15
Electric Blue Hap
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Australian Pearl Arowana
Freshwater Only
Electric Blue Hap
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Australian Pearl Arowana
Moderate
Electric Blue Hap
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 800 L
Australian Pearl Arowana
800 L
Electric Blue Hap
200 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Australian Pearl Arowana
Top
Electric Blue Hap
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Australian Pearl Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Electric Blue Hap
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Fry PredatorAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Australian Pearl Arowana and Electric Blue Hap?

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.

Australian Pearl Arowana
Electric Blue Hap
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Australian Pearl Arowana is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Electric Blue Hap is semi-aggressive (7/10). This modest difference means Australian Pearl Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Electric Blue Hap.

Both Australian Pearl Arowana and Electric Blue Hap are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

In terms of spatial distribution, Australian Pearl Arowana prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Electric Blue Hap 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: Australian Pearl Arowana is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

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

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Australian Pearl Arowana and Electric Blue Hap together, plan for an aquarium of at least 800 litres with a minimum length of 200 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). 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

Australian Pearl Arowana and Electric Blue Hap 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 Australian Pearl Arowana and Electric Blue Hap live together?

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

What size tank do Australian Pearl Arowana and Electric Blue Hap need?

A minimum of 800 litres (tank length at least 200 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 Australian Pearl Arowana and Electric Blue Hap together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Australian Pearl Arowana or Electric Blue Hap aggressive?

Australian Pearl Arowana is highly aggressive (9/10) and Electric Blue Hap is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Australian Pearl Arowana and Electric Blue Hap need?

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

How do I manage Australian Pearl Arowana's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Australian Pearl 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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