Can Pictus Catfish and Silver Arowana Live Together?
Keeping Pictus Catfish and Silver Arowana together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 1200 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.
At a Glance
Behaviour & Temperament
Pictus Catfish is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Silver Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Pictus Catfish.
In terms of spatial distribution, Pictus Catfish 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.
Worth noting: Pictus Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, 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 Pictus Catfish 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 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°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 3–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.
Tank Setup
To house Pictus Catfish 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.
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), 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 Pictus Catfish and Silver Arowana live together?▾
They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 1200 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
What size tank do Pictus Catfish 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 Pictus Catfish and Silver Arowana together?▾
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Pictus Catfish or Silver Arowana aggressive?▾
Pictus Catfish is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Pictus Catfish 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.
Does Pictus Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?▾
Pictus Catfish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Pictus Catfish during evening hours.
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