Can Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Silver Arowana Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Silver Arowana are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types and incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Banded Archerfish (Brackish)

Toxotes jaculatrix

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

🐟Family Group
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Oddballs
Silver Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Silver Arowana
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
24–30°C
Silver Arowana
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
7–8.5
Silver Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
15–30
Silver Arowana
1–12
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Brackish Required
Silver Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Moderate
Silver Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1200 L
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
300 L
Silver Arowana
1000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Top
Silver Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Silver Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerGenerally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Silver Arowana are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Silver Arowana 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.

Worth noting: Banded Archerfish (Brackish) 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 30°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Banded Archerfish (Brackish) needs 15–30 dGH while Silver Arowana requires 1–12 dGH.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

Tank Setup

To house Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Silver Arowana together, plan for an aquarium of at least 1200 litres with a minimum length of 240 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Silver Arowana live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Silver Arowana need?

A minimum of 1200 litres (tank length at least 240 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 Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Silver Arowana together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 30°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Banded Archerfish (Brackish) or Silver Arowana aggressive?

Banded Archerfish (Brackish) is moderately assertive (6/10) and Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Banded Archerfish (Brackish) and Silver Arowana need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Silver Arowana's territorial behaviour?

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