Can Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and Silver Arowana Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and Silver Arowana are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)

Dichotomyctere nigroviridis

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

🐠Family Group
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
Puffers
Silver Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
Highly Aggressive (9/10)
Silver Arowana
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
24–28°C
Silver Arowana
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
7.5–8.5
Silver Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
12–30
Silver Arowana
1–12
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
Brackish Required
Silver Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
Moderate
Silver Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1200 L
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
114 L
Silver Arowana
1000 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
MiddleBottom
Silver Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesFin NipperSnail EaterShrimp EaterTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Silver Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerGenerally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)

Behaviour & Temperament

Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) is a highly aggressive species (9/10), while Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over Silver Arowana.

In terms of spatial distribution, Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) 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.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 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 12–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) 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.

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), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), 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.

Find the right tank equipment

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and Silver Arowana live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) 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 Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) 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 Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) or Silver Arowana aggressive?

Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) is highly aggressive (9/10) and Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) and Silver Arowana need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) nip Silver Arowana's fins?

Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) is a known fin nipper. If Silver Arowana has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

How do I manage Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish) 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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