Can Ramshorn Snail and Silver Arowana Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Ramshorn Snail 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

Ramshorn Snail

Planorbidae fam.

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

🐠Family Group
Ramshorn Snail
Invertebrates
Silver Arowana
Oddballs
Temperament
Ramshorn Snail
Peaceful (0/10)
Silver Arowana
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Ramshorn Snail
15–30°C
Silver Arowana
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Ramshorn Snail
7–8.5
Silver Arowana
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Ramshorn Snail
8–20
Silver Arowana
1–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Ramshorn Snail
Freshwater Only
Silver Arowana
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Ramshorn Snail
Low
Silver Arowana
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1200 L
Ramshorn Snail
5 L
Silver Arowana
1000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Ramshorn Snail
BottomMiddleTop
Silver Arowana
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ramshorn Snail
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)
Silver Arowana
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerGenerally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)

Behaviour & Temperament

Ramshorn Snail is a peaceful species (0/10), while Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Silver Arowana may occasionally assert dominance over Ramshorn Snail.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Ramshorn Snail and Silver Arowana increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Ramshorn Snail 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..

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 30°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°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 8–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Ramshorn Snail 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). 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 Ramshorn Snail 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 Ramshorn Snail 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 Ramshorn Snail and Silver Arowana together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 30°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Ramshorn Snail or Silver Arowana aggressive?

Ramshorn Snail is peaceful (0/10) 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 Ramshorn Snail 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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