Can Neon Blue Goby and Silver Arowana Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Neon Blue Goby 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

Neon Blue Goby

Stiphodon atropurpureus

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

🐠Family Group
Neon Blue Goby
Gobies & Gudgeons
Silver Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Neon Blue Goby
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Silver Arowana
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
22–28°C
Silver Arowana
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
6.5–7.5
Silver Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
4–12
Silver Arowana
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
Freshwater Only
Silver Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
High
Silver Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1200 L
Neon Blue Goby
57 L
Silver Arowana
1000 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Neon Blue Goby
Bottom
Silver Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Neon Blue Goby
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Silver Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerGenerally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)

Behaviour & Temperament

Neon Blue Goby is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Silver Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Blue Goby.

In terms of spatial distribution, Neon Blue Goby prefers the Bottom (Substrate) 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: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

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 6.5 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 4–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Neon Blue Goby 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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with high (river/stream) 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 Neon Blue Goby 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 Neon Blue Goby 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 Neon Blue Goby 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 Neon Blue Goby or Silver Arowana aggressive?

Neon Blue Goby is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Neon Blue Goby 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 Neon Blue Goby's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Neon Blue Goby 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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