Can Electric Blue Johannii and Silver Arowana Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Electric Blue Johannii and Silver Arowana 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

Electric Blue Johannii

Pseudotropheus johannii

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

🐠Family Group
Electric Blue Johannii
Cichlids - African
Silver Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Electric Blue Johannii
Aggressive (8/10)
Silver Arowana
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
24–28°C
Silver Arowana
24–30°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Electric Blue Johannii
7.8–8.6
Silver Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
10–25
Silver Arowana
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Freshwater Only
Silver Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Electric Blue Johannii
Moderate
Silver Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1000 L
Electric Blue Johannii
150 L
Silver Arowana
1000 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Electric Blue Johannii
MiddleBottom
Silver Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Electric Blue Johannii
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Silver Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerGenerally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Electric Blue Johannii and Silver Arowana?

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.

Electric Blue Johannii
Silver Arowana
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Electric Blue Johannii is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Electric Blue Johannii may occasionally assert dominance over Silver Arowana.

In terms of spatial distribution, Electric Blue Johannii prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) zones, 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.

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: Silver 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 Electric Blue Johannii (7.8–8.6) and Silver Arowana (6–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Electric Blue Johannii and Silver Arowana together, plan for an aquarium of at least 1000 litres with a minimum length of 240 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: Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus), 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Electric Blue Johannii and Silver Arowana are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Electric Blue Johannii 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 Electric Blue Johannii and Silver Arowana need?

A minimum of 1000 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 Electric Blue Johannii 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 Electric Blue Johannii or Silver Arowana aggressive?

Electric Blue Johannii is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Electric Blue Johannii and Silver Arowana need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Electric Blue Johannii prefers 7.8–8.6, while Silver Arowana needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Electric Blue Johannii's territorial behaviour?

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

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
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