Can Beckford's Pencilfish and Silver Arowana Live Together?
Beckford's Pencilfish and Silver Arowana are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Behaviour & Temperament
Beckford's Pencilfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Silver Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Beckford's Pencilfish.
Beckford's Pencilfish 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.
There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species. Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Worth noting: Beckford's Pencilfish 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.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 1–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Beckford's Pencilfish 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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Beckford's Pencilfish and Silver Arowana live together?▾
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Beckford's Pencilfish 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 Beckford's Pencilfish and Silver Arowana 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 Beckford's Pencilfish or Silver Arowana aggressive?▾
Beckford's Pencilfish is peaceful (2/10) and Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Beckford's Pencilfish and Silver Arowana need?▾
Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 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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