Can Least Killifish (Heterandria) and Silver Arowana Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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

Least Killifish (Heterandria)

Heterandria formosa

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

🐠Family Group
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Livebearers
Silver Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Peaceful (1/10)
Silver Arowana
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
18–27°C
Silver Arowana
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
7–8
Silver Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
5–20
Silver Arowana
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Brackish Tolerant
Silver Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
Low
Silver Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1200 L
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
19 L
Silver Arowana
1000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
TopMiddleBottom
Silver Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Least Killifish (Heterandria)
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)

Behaviour & Temperament

Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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 Least Killifish (Heterandria).

Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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..

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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°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 5–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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: Plants - Densely covered, 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.

Find the right tank equipment

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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 Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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 Least Killifish (Heterandria) and Silver Arowana together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Least Killifish (Heterandria) or Silver Arowana aggressive?

Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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 Least Killifish (Heterandria) 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.


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