Can Australian Smelt and Uaru Live Together?
Australian Smelt and Uaru are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. 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 Smelt and Uaru?
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 Smelt is a peaceful species (1/10), while Uaru is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Uaru may occasionally assert dominance over Australian Smelt.
Australian Smelt and Uaru both frequent the Middle (Open Water) 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: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Worth noting: Australian Smelt is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
There is no temperature overlap between Australian Smelt (15–24°C) and Uaru (27–30°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
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Tank Setup
To house Australian Smelt and Uaru together, plan for an aquarium of at least 400 litres with a minimum length of 150 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: Plants - lighly covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Uaru is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Australian Smelt's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Australian Smelt and Uaru.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Australian Smelt and Uaru live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Australian Smelt and Uaru need?
A minimum of 400 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Smelt and Uaru together?
Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Australian Smelt requires 15–24°C, while Uaru needs 27–30°C.
Are Australian Smelt or Uaru aggressive?
Australian Smelt is peaceful (1/10) and Uaru is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Australian Smelt and Uaru need?
Both species overlap in the 6.5–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
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