Can Bronze Corydoras and Silver Arowana Live Together?

🟡Possible with Caution

Keeping Bronze Corydoras and Silver Arowana together is possible but requires caution due to differing aggression levels. Provide a spacious tank of at least 1200 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Bronze Corydoras

Corydoras aeneus

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

🐠Family Group
Bronze Corydoras
Catfish
Silver Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Bronze Corydoras
Peaceful (1/10)
Silver Arowana
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bronze Corydoras
22–27°C
Silver Arowana
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Bronze Corydoras
6–7.5
Silver Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Bronze Corydoras
2–15
Silver Arowana
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bronze Corydoras
Freshwater Only
Silver Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Bronze Corydoras
Moderate
Silver Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1200 L
Bronze Corydoras
60 L
Silver Arowana
1000 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Bronze Corydoras
Bottom
Silver Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bronze Corydoras
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Silver Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerGenerally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)

Behaviour & Temperament

Bronze Corydoras is a peaceful species (1/10), while Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Silver Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Bronze Corydoras.

In terms of spatial distribution, Bronze Corydoras prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Silver Arowana occupies the Top (Surface) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Silver Arowana is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Bronze Corydoras and Silver Arowana to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°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 2–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Bronze Corydoras 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.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), 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 Bronze Corydoras and Silver Arowana live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 1200 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Bronze Corydoras 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 Bronze Corydoras and Silver Arowana together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Bronze Corydoras or Silver Arowana aggressive?

Bronze Corydoras is peaceful (1/10) 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 Bronze Corydoras 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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