Can Endler's Livebearer and Silver Arowana Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Not Recommended

Endler's Livebearer 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

Endler's Livebearer

Poecilia wingei

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

🐠Family Group
Endler's Livebearer
Livebearers
Silver Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Endler's Livebearer
Peaceful (1/10)
Silver Arowana
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
22–28°C
Silver Arowana
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
7–8.5
Silver Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
10–25
Silver Arowana
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
Freshwater Only
Silver Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
Moderate
Silver Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1000 L
Endler's Livebearer
19 L
Silver Arowana
1000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Endler's Livebearer
TopMiddle
Silver Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Endler's Livebearer
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Silver Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerGenerally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Endler's Livebearer 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.

Endler's Livebearer
Silver Arowana
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Endler's Livebearer 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 Endler's Livebearer.

Endler's Livebearer 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..

Worth noting: Endler's Livebearer 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 7 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 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Endler's Livebearer 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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, 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

Endler's Livebearer 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 Endler's Livebearer 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 Endler's Livebearer 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 Endler's Livebearer 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 Endler's Livebearer or Silver Arowana aggressive?

Endler's Livebearer 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 Endler's Livebearer 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
April 28, 2026
Last updated
April 28, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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