Can Green Terror and Silver Arowana Live Together?

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

Keeping Green Terror and Silver Arowana together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. 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

Green Terror

Andinoacara rivulatus

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

🐠Family Group
Green Terror
Cichlids - South American
Silver Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Green Terror
Aggressive (8/10)
Silver Arowana
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Green Terror
20–28°C
Silver Arowana
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Green Terror
6.5–8
Silver Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Green Terror
5–20
Silver Arowana
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Green Terror
Freshwater Only
Silver Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Green Terror
Moderate
Silver Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1000 L
Green Terror
200 L
Silver Arowana
1000 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Green Terror
MiddleBottom
Silver Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Green Terror
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant Destroyer
Silver Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerGenerally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Green Terror 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.

Green Terror
Silver Arowana
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Behaviour & Temperament

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

In terms of spatial distribution, Green Terror 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.

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 Green Terror and Silver Arowana to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

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 6.5 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 5–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Green Terror 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: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/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.

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. Green Terror 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 Green Terror 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 Green Terror 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 Green Terror 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 Terror or Silver Arowana aggressive?

Green Terror 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 Green Terror and Silver Arowana need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Green Terror's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Green Terror 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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