Can Glowlight Tetra and Silver Arowana Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Not Recommended

Glowlight Tetra 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

Glowlight Tetra

Hemigrammus erythrozonus

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

🐠Family Group
Glowlight Tetra
Characins
Silver Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Glowlight Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Silver Arowana
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Tetra
23–28°C
Silver Arowana
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Tetra
5.5–7.5
Silver Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Tetra
2–15
Silver Arowana
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Tetra
Freshwater Only
Silver Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Tetra
Moderate
Silver Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1000 L
Glowlight Tetra
40 L
Silver Arowana
1000 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Glowlight Tetra
Middle
Silver Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Glowlight Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Silver Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerGenerally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Glowlight Tetra 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.

Glowlight Tetra
Silver Arowana
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Glowlight Tetra 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 Glowlight Tetra.

In terms of spatial distribution, Glowlight Tetra prefers the Middle (Open Water) 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.

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: 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.

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 Glowlight Tetra 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, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, 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

Glowlight Tetra 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 Glowlight Tetra 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 Glowlight Tetra 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 Glowlight Tetra 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 Glowlight Tetra or Silver Arowana aggressive?

Glowlight Tetra 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 Glowlight Tetra 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.

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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