Can Senegal Bichir and Silver Arowana Live Together?
Keeping Senegal Bichir and Silver Arowana together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. 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
Can your tank handle Senegal Bichir 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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Both Senegal Bichir and Silver Arowana are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.
In terms of spatial distribution, Senegal Bichir 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.
Worth noting: Senegal Bichir is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Senegal Bichir 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 Senegal Bichir 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 25°C and 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.2 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.
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Tank Setup
To house Senegal Bichir 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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.
Feeding products to consider
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Senegal Bichir 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 Senegal Bichir 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 Senegal Bichir and Silver Arowana together?
Keep the aquarium between 25°C and 29°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Senegal Bichir or Silver Arowana aggressive?
Senegal Bichir is moderately assertive (6/10) and Silver Arowana is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Senegal Bichir and Silver Arowana need?
Both species overlap in the 6.2–7.5 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 Senegal Bichir being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Senegal Bichir 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 Senegal Bichir during evening hours.
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