Can Australian Pearl Arowana and Malawi Hawk Live Together?
Australian Pearl Arowana and Malawi Hawk 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
Can your tank handle Australian Pearl Arowana and Malawi Hawk?
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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Australian Pearl Arowana is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Malawi Hawk is semi-aggressive (7/10). This modest difference means Australian Pearl Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Malawi Hawk.
Both Australian Pearl Arowana and Malawi Hawk are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.
Australian Pearl Arowana and Malawi Hawk 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.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks. Two aggressive species housed together increases risk of fighting.
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 Malawi Hawk (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.
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Tank Setup
To house Australian Pearl Arowana and Malawi Hawk 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Australian Pearl Arowana and Malawi Hawk 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 Malawi Hawk 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 Malawi Hawk 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 Malawi Hawk aggressive?
Australian Pearl Arowana is highly aggressive (9/10) and Malawi Hawk is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Australian Pearl Arowana and Malawi Hawk need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Australian Pearl Arowana prefers 6–7.5, while Malawi Hawk 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.
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