Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Silver Arowana Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Golden Wonder Killifish and Silver Arowana together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 1000 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Golden Wonder Killifish

Aplocheilus lineatus

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

🐠Family Group
Golden Wonder Killifish
Killifish
Silver Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Golden Wonder Killifish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Silver Arowana
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
22–28°C
Silver Arowana
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
6–7.5
Silver Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
5–20
Silver Arowana
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Brackish Tolerant
Silver Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Golden Wonder Killifish
Low
Silver Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1000 L
Golden Wonder Killifish
75 L
Silver Arowana
1000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Golden Wonder Killifish
Top
Silver Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Golden Wonder Killifish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorHyperactive / 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 Golden Wonder Killifish 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.

Golden Wonder Killifish
Silver Arowana
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Behaviour & Temperament

Both Golden Wonder Killifish and Silver Arowana are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Golden Wonder Killifish 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.

Worth noting: Golden Wonder Killifish 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 Golden Wonder Killifish and Silver Arowana to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

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 5–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Golden Wonder Killifish 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.

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: Plants - Floating, 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.

Why This Pairing Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Golden Wonder Killifish and Silver Arowana need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Golden Wonder Killifish and Silver Arowana live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 1000 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Golden Wonder Killifish 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 Golden Wonder Killifish 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 Golden Wonder Killifish or Silver Arowana aggressive?

Golden Wonder Killifish is moderately assertive (6/10) and Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Golden Wonder Killifish 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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