Choosing the right friends for your Arowana can feel like trying to solve a tricky puzzle. These fish are often called the kings and queens of the aquarium because of their shiny scales, powerful bodies, and calm gliding through the water. But just like true royalty, Arowanas don’t get along with everyone. They need special tank mates that match their size, personality, and swimming style. Picking the best Arowana tank mates isn’t always simple, but it’s one of the most important steps to keep your tank peaceful and stress free.
That’s why this guide is here to make everything easy. You’re going to learn exactly how to choose the right Arowana companions without any confusion. We’ll explore which fish species are safe with Arowana, which ones might cause trouble, and what you should avoid to prevent fights or injuries. Forget the confusing advice you may have seen elsewhere. Here, you’ll get clear, friendly tips that actually work and help you build a beautiful, happy freshwater aquarium community where every fish lives in harmony.
Understanding Arowanas
Before choosing the best Arowana tank mates, it’s important to understand the Arowana fish itself. These aren’t your usual pet store fish. Arowanas are ancient, powerful creatures with bold personalities and unique needs. Knowing who they are and how they behave is the first step to creating a safe and peaceful community tank.
Arowana Species Overview: Silver, Asian, and More
Arowanas come from different parts of the world, and each type has its own beauty. Think of them as family members with their own special features.
The most common type is the Silver Arowana, found in South America. They’re famous for their shiny silver scales and long, ribbon like bodies that glide gracefully in the water.
Then there’s the Asian Arowana, known for its striking colors. These fish come in shades of gold, red, blue, and green. They’re considered one of the most prized and expensive Arowana species, and in some areas, they’re even protected by law due to their rarity.
Other types include the Australian or Jardini Arowana, which is slightly smaller but more aggressive than the Silver Arowana. You may also come across Black Arowanas and Blue Arowanas, each with its own charm. Even though they look different, all Arowanas share similar habits and behaviors, which makes finding compatible Arowana tank mates a bit tricky.
Why Arowanas Are Called “Tank Busters”
Ever heard the term tank buster fish? It’s used for fish that grow so big they can quickly outgrow most home aquariums, and Arowanas are the perfect example. A small baby Arowana may look cute, but it can grow up to 3 feet long, which is almost the size of a skateboard!
Because they grow so fast and so large, they need a huge amount of space. A young Arowana might be fine in a smaller tank, but an adult needs at least a 250 gallon aquarium. Bigger is always better. Without enough room to swim and turn, your Arowana can become stressed, get sick, or even injure itself. That’s why planning for its full adult size is so important.
Arowana Behavior: Aggression, Territory, and Tank Mate Compatibility
Arowanas are natural hunters. In the wild, they swim near the surface and jump to catch insects, small fish, frogs, and sometimes even birds. This hunting instinct stays with them in the aquarium. So, if another fish is small enough to fit in their mouth, it might get eaten. That’s a big deal when picking safe tank mates for Arowana.
Arowanas are also territorial. They love to rule the top part of the tank and may chase or bully any fish that gets too close. But they aren’t always aggressive; sometimes they can be shy and easily scared by sudden movements.
To keep the peace, choose Arowana tank mates that:
- They are too big to be eaten.
- Prefer the middle or bottom of the tank.
- Can handle living with a strong, dominant fish.
Giving each fish enough space reduces stress and helps your Arowana stay calm while still feeling like the king of its underwater castle.
Compatibility Factors
Now that you know more about the mighty Arowana fish, let’s talk about finding it the right friend. Choosing Arowana tank mates is kind of like being a matchmaker. You can’t just toss any two fish into the tank and hope for peace. You have to think about their size, personality, and how they’ll share their home. Getting this right is the key to a calm and happy community aquarium.
What Makes a Good Tank Mate for Arowanas?
So, what makes a fish one of the best tank mates for Arowana? It’s not about picking the flashiest fish. It’s about choosing one that can safely live with a large predator. A good tank mate is a fish your Arowana won’t try to eat and one it will respect.
First, the fish needs to be strong and confident. Arowanas can be a little bossy, so their companions should be able to handle mild pressure without starting a fight. They don’t need to be aggressive, just calm and brave. Second, they should be healthy and active. Weak or slow fish are easy targets. And lastly, they should be fun to watch so your tank feels lively and exciting.
Size, Temperament, and Swimming Zones: The Compatibility Triangle
To make it simple, think of Arowana compatibility as a triangle with three sides: size, temperament, and swimming zone. All three need to match for things to work.
Size: This is rule number one. A tank mate must be too big to fit into the Arowana’s mouth. As your Arowana grows, its mouth grows too. A fish that was safe last month could become food next month. It’s best to choose fish that are at least two thirds the size of your Arowana or have a tall or wide body shape.
Temperament: This is a fish’s attitude. You don’t want a fish that’s too scared or one that hides all day. But you also don’t want a fish that attacks or threatens your Arowana. The perfect match is a confident, semi aggressive fish that can stand its ground without causing fights.
Swimming Zones: Fish like different areas of the tank. Arowanas are surface swimmers; they love the top. So, ideal tank mates are fish that stay in the middle or bottom of the aquarium. This way, they avoid the Arowana’s space. Fish like Plecos or certain catfish make great choices because they stay near the bottom and out of the way.
How Do You Know If a Fish is Compatible?
Great question! Even if a fish seems perfect, every fish has its own personality. So how do you know they’ll get along? The best start is research. Read about the fish you want and check if it’s known to live well with large, predatory fish like Arowanas.
After bringing the new fish home, watch your tank closely for the first few days. Look for signs of chasing, biting, or bullying. A little showing off is normal as they form their pecking order, but constant aggression is a warning sign. If it doesn’t work out, have a backup plan, like another tank to move the new fish. Taking things slow and paying attention is the best way to make sure all your fish live together peacefully.
Comprehensive List of Tank Mates
Alright, get ready, this is the fun part! Now we’re diving into the real excitement: picking the actual fish that can live with your Arowana. Choosing the best Arowana tank mates means looking for fish that are big enough, strong enough, and brave enough to live with this powerful predator. Below, you’ll find some of the most trusted and successful Arowana friendly fish that can help you create a stunning and peaceful freshwater aquarium.
Best Tank Mates for Arowanas (Detailed Profiles)
These fish are well known for being some of the safest and most reliable Arowana companions. They’ve proven over time that they can handle life with a large, predatory fish.
Oscar Fish: Oscars are a classic choice. They grow large, have bold personalities, and don’t get scared easily. Because both Oscars and Arowanas are smart fish, they usually learn to respect each other’s space. Just make sure they are close in size to avoid bullying or injuries.
Common Plecostomus (Pleco): Plecos make amazing tank mates because they stay at the bottom, far away from your Arowana’s territory at the top. They’re peaceful, mind their own business, and even help clean the tank. Plus, their armored bodies offer great protection. Just remember, a “common” Pleco can grow up to 2 feet long!
Silver Dollar Fish: These shiny, round fish look like swimming coins. They’re peaceful, swim in groups, and their tall body shape makes them hard for Arowanas to swallow. Keeping them in a school of 5 or more helps them feel safe and confident.
Clown Loach: Clown loaches are playful bottom dwellers that can grow up to 1 foot long. They’re fun to watch and love searching the tank floor for food. Since they stay out of the Arowana’s way, they rarely cause any trouble.
Green Terror Cichlid: Don’t let the name scare you. While Green Terrors can be aggressive, they’re usually a good match for Arowanas if the tank is big enough. They’re colorful, confident, and strong enough to hold their own. Just make sure they have enough space to form their own territory.
Unique Pairings: Uncommon but Effective Tank Mates
Want something different? These unique Arowana tank mates are less common but bring a special charm and exotic look to your aquarium.
Ornate Bichir: This fish looks like a tiny underwater dinosaur! Bichirs are ancient, armored, and spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank. They don’t bother Arowanas at all, making them a safe and fascinating choice.
Tinfoil Barb: These fish are shiny, fast, and active. They swim in groups, and their large size and quick speed make them hard for Arowanas to catch. They bring a lot of movement and energy to the tank.
Bala Shark: Despite the scary name, Bala Sharks are gentle. They’re sleek, fast swimmers that spend most of their time in the middle of the tank. Their torpedo shaped bodies and peaceful nature make them a great fit for large community tanks.
Fish That Are Surprisingly Compatible with Arowanas
Some fish might seem like bad choices at first, but under the right conditions, they can actually live peacefully with Arowanas. These surprising matches show how amazing a well planned Arowana community tank can be.
Freshwater Stingray: Sounds wild, right? But it works! Stingrays live only at the bottom of the tank, while Arowanas stay at the top. Because they don’t cross paths, they live together peacefully. Just remember, this combination needs a HUGE tank with lots of floor space.
Large Catfish (like Redtail Catfish): Not for beginners, but in expert hands, large catfish can be great Arowana companions. Redtail Catfish grow incredibly large, making them impossible for Arowanas to eat. They stay near the bottom, but they require tanks that hold thousands of gallons, almost like an indoor pond.
Flowerhorn Cichlid: Flowerhorn fish are known for their bright colors and big forehead bump. They’re also very aggressive. But in a very large tank, a Flowerhorn and an Arowana can develop a kind of respectful rivalry. They’re both strong and smart enough to understand each other’s boundaries. This pairing needs lots of space and careful watching.
Also Read: How Long Can a Betta Fish Go Without Food? Betta Fish Diet Tips
Tank Setup Essentials
Creating the Perfect Arowana Tank Setup (Easy and Beginner Friendly Guide)
Setting up the perfect home for your Arowana and its tank mates is just like building a dream playground. You need plenty of space, fun things to explore, and a safe place where no one gets hurt. A well planned Arowana tank setup is the secret to keeping your fish happy, stress free, and healthy.
Designing the Best Tank for Arowanas and Their Tank Mates
Arowanas are not small fish; they can grow up to 3 feet long, which means they need lots of swimming room. For one adult Arowana, the minimum tank size should be 250 gallons. If you plan to add more large freshwater fish like Plecos, Stingrays, Silver Dollars, or other Arowana tank mates, you’ll need even more space.
A tank that’s at least 6 feet long and 2 feet wide gives your Arowana enough room to swim, turn, and stretch without feeling trapped.
Tank Layout Tips for Arowanas
Arowanas are top dwelling fish, so leave the top area open for swimming. That’s their personal highway!
- Add decorations like smooth driftwood and large rocks near the bottom or middle of the tank.
- These decorations give shy fish a safe place to hide.
- Use soft sand or fine gravel as the substrate. It’s safe and easy to clean, perfect for bottom dwelling fish like Plecos or stingrays.
For plants, go with strong and sturdy ones like Java Fern or Amazon Sword Plants. Arowanas are powerful swimmers and might accidentally pull out weak plants. Plant them along the sides and back to keep the center clear for swimming.
Must Have Equipment for Arowana Care
To keep your Arowana aquarium healthy, you need the right tools. Here are the three most important:
1. Heaters
- Arowanas come from warm places like the Amazon.
- Keep the water temperature between 75°F and 82°F.
- For large tanks, use 2 heaters, one on each side, to spread the heat evenly.
- Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature daily.
2. Filters
- Arowanas and big fish produce a lot of waste.
- A dirty tank can make the water toxic.
- Use a high quality canister filter. Many fish keepers even use two filters for extra safety.
- Do weekly water changes replace at least 25% of the water?
3. Lids (Very Important!)
- Arowanas are expert jumpers.
- They can leap several feet into the air, just like in the wild when they catch insects.
- Use a strong, tight fitting, and heavy lid to stop them from jumping out.
How to Stop Arowanas from Jumping Out of the Tank
This is one of the biggest problems Arowana owners face. A simple glass lid is not strong enough; a strong Arowana can push it open easily.
Here’s how to keep them safe:
- Use clamped down or weighted lids to lock everything tightly.
- Make sure there are no gaps, not even small ones, near the heater or filter wires.
- You can also lower the water level by 6 to 12 inches to make jumping harder.
With a secure lid and lower water level, your Arowana will stay safe and sound inside the tank, and you won’t have to worry about accidents.
Feeding and Care
Feeding and Caring for Your Arowana: Diet, Schedule, and Tank Cleaning Made Simple
Taking care of your Arowana and its tank mates is a lot like being the chef and cleaner for a busy underwater family. When you feed your fish the right food and keep their water clean, they stay healthy, calm, and beautiful. A good Arowana feeding schedule and a regular aquarium maintenance routine can prevent fights, sickness, and dirty water.
What Do Arowanas Eat? (Best Diet for Arowana and Tank Mates)
Arowanas are carnivorous fish, which means they love meat. In the wild, they eat insects, small fish, and even frogs. To keep your Arowana strong and colorful, you should offer a varied diet, not just one type of food.
Best foods for Arowanas include:
- Frozen foods: shrimp, krill, bloodworms
- Live foods: crickets, mealworms, earthworms
- Feeder fish: only as an occasional treat to avoid diseases
- Carnivore pellets: specially made pellets for large fish can be a healthy daily meal
A mixed diet gives your Arowana all the vitamins, proteins, and nutrients it needs to grow and stay active.
Feeding Arowana Tank Mates the Right Food
Not all Arowana tank mates eat the same food. Fish like Oscars and Cichlids also eat meat or are omnivores, so they can share Arowana’s food. But bottom dwellers like Plecos need different meals.
For bottom dwelling fish:
- Use sinking algae wafers
- Give fresh vegetables like cucumber slices or zucchini
- Make sure the food reaches the bottom before the Arowana eats everything
Feeding everyone the right food stops fighting and keeps the tank peaceful.
Arowana Feeding Schedule for a Calm Tank
Feeding time can be fun or total chaos. A hungry Arowana may get aggressive, so having a routine feeding schedule really helps.
- Adult Arowanas: feed once a day
- Young Arowanas: feed 2 times a day
- Feed the Arowana first, so it calms down
- Then add food for the other fish
To help bottom feeders eat peacefully, drop their food at the same time. While the Arowana eats at the top, its food sinks to the bottom. You can also spread food across the tank so everyone gets a fair share.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping the Tank Healthy
Big fish like Arowanas make big messes. Without proper aquarium cleaning, the water can become toxic and harmful.
Follow this simple cleaning routine:
Weekly Water Changes
- Change 25% of the tank water every week
- This lowers harmful toxins like nitrate and ammonia
- Use a gravel vacuum to clean leftover food and fish waste
Filter Cleaning (Once a Month)
- Rinse filter media gently in old tank water, not tap water
- Tap water has chlorine that can kill good bacteria
Daily Fish Check
- Spend a few minutes watching your fish every day
- Look for signs of stress, wounds, sickness, or bullying
- Catching problems early keeps your fish safe
A little effort every day keeps your Arowana aquarium clean, peaceful, and beautiful. With the right food, a smart feeding routine, and proper cleaning, your Arowana and its friends will live long, happy lives.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best setup and planning, things can still go wrong. Keeping Arowanas and large tank mates is an exciting adventure, but like any adventure, it comes with challenges. The good news? Most problems are easy to fix when you know the signs and what to do. Think of this section as your Arowana problem solving guide. You’re the detective, and your fish are giving you clues.
Aggression in Arowanas and Tank Mates: How to Stop Fights
So you picked great Arowana tank mates, but suddenly you see chasing, nipping, or full on fights. Don’t panic, some arguments are normal, but constant aggression means something’s wrong.
Why fish fight:
- Fighting over food
- The tank is too small or crowded
- Fish protecting their territory
- Stress or hunger
Simple tricks to stop aggression:
- Rearrange decorations like driftwood, rocks, or plants. This resets territories and distracts the fish.
- Use a tank divider to give the aggressive fish a short “time out.”
- Feed the Arowana first to reduce hunger related aggression.
- If fighting doesn’t stop, it might mean the fish are not compatible; rehome one for safety.
Stress in Arowanas: Easy Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Fish don’t talk, but they show how they feel through their behavior and appearance. Knowing the signs of stress in Arowanas and tank mates can help you prevent illness or death.
Common stress signs:
- Hiding all the time: If a fish never comes out, something is wrong.
- Not eating: A healthy Arowana or Oscar will rush to food; if not, check for issues.
- Weird swimming: Darting, rubbing against glass, or sinking at the bottom means distress.
- Faded colors: Bright colors turning dull often point to stress or bad water quality.
- Torn fins: This could mean bullying, infections, or poor water conditions.
What to do:
- Test water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
- Check the temperature and oxygen levels.
- Watch for bullying or constant chasing.
- Fix the problem early to avoid illness and death.
Overcrowding in a Large Aquarium: The Silent Troublemaker
Adding too many fish might seem fun at first, but it can slowly turn your tank into a stressful battle zone.
Problems caused by overcrowding:
- Aggression and territory fights
- Poor water quality and high toxins (like ammonia)
- Low oxygen levels and weak filtration
- Stunted growth and sickness
How to fix overcrowding:
- Reduce the number of fish sold, trade, or return them if needed.
- Only keep fish that match the tank size and adult growth size.
- Upgrade to a bigger tank if possible.
- Follow the rule: plan for the adult size of each fish, not the baby size.
Your fish will be healthier and happier when they have enough space to swim freely.
Advanced Arowana Care Tips for Experienced Aquarists
You’ve mastered the basics. Now, let’s take your Arowana care to an expert level.
Seasonal Tank Adjustments for Arowanas
In the wild, Arowanas experience rainy and dry seasons. You can recreate these seasonal changes in your aquarium to make them feel more at home.
How to mimic natural seasons:
| Warm/Wet | 80 to 82°F | 10 to 12 hours |
| Cool/Dry | 75 to 77°F | 8 to 9 hours |
- Increase heat slowly during “summer” months
- Lower the temperature gradually during “winter” months
- Never make sudden temperature changes they can shock your fish
These tiny changes can boost your fish’s comfort, natural behavior, and overall mood.
Breeding Arowanas: Is It Possible with Tank Mates?
Breeding Arowanas in captivity is rare and considered a big achievement. To do it successfully, you need:
- A giant tank (500+ gallons)
- A strong male female bond
- Perfect water parameters
- Peace and zero stress
Do tank mates help or hurt?
Usually, they hurt more than help. Arowanas want privacy during breeding and may become aggressive if other fish are around.
However, some calm bottom dwellers (like peaceful Plecos) might help by eating leftover food and making the Arowanas feel safer. But watch closely if the breeders get stressed; remove the tank mates immediately.
Long Term Care: Keeping Your Arowana Healthy for 10+ Years
Arowanas can live 10 to 15 years or more, so they require long term love and responsibility.
Tips for long term Arowana care:
- Stick to a weekly water change routine (25% water change)
- Clean filters once a month using tank water, not tap water
- Upgrade equipment as your fish grows
- Watch your fish daily for behavior changes
- Adjust diet and environment as they age
With dedication and care, your tank becomes more than an aquarium; it turns into a thriving underwater world you’ve built and protected for years.
FAQs and Expert Tips
Can Arowanas live with other predatory fish?
This is a very popular question, and the answer is: sometimes, but with caution. Putting two predators together can be risky. However, some of the best Arowana tank mates are actually other predators, like Oscars, Jaguar Cichlids, or Flowerhorns.
Expert Tip: The key to success is a massive tank. When you house multiple predators, you need to provide enough space for each one to claim its own territory. A 300-gallon tank or larger is often necessary. Introduce them when they are young and of a similar size so they can grow up together. Always monitor them closely for signs of aggression, and be prepared to separate them if a serious conflict arises.
How do you introduce new fish without stressing your Arowana?
Introducing a new fish can be a stressful event for your entire tank. Your Arowana is the established king of the castle, and a new face can feel like an intruder. A smooth introduction is crucial for long-term peace.
Expert Tip: Never just drop a new fish into the tank. First, turn off the aquarium lights to reduce everyone’s stress levels. A great trick is to rearrange the decorations right before adding the new fish. This resets all the territories, so the Arowana is distracted by the new layout and less likely to focus on the newcomer. Let the new fish acclimate in its bag for 15-20 minutes, then release it. Keep a close eye on the tank for the next few hours.
What should I do if my Arowana isn’t eating?
An Arowana that refuses to eat can be worrying. Since they are usually enthusiastic eaters, a loss of appetite is often a sign that something is wrong.
Expert Tip: First, check your water parameters. Poor water quality is the number one cause of appetite loss. If the water is fine, consider if your Arowana is simply bored with its food. Try offering something new and exciting, like a live earthworm or cricket, to tempt it. Stress from aggressive tank mates can also cause a hunger strike. If the fish hasn’t eaten for several days and you can’t find a reason, it may be time to consult with an aquatic veterinarian.
Can an Arowana live alone happily?
Absolutely. While it’s fun to create a community tank, Arowanas do not get lonely and can live perfectly happy lives on their own. They are solitary hunters by nature. If you are not prepared for the challenge of finding compatible Arowana tank mates, keeping your Arowana by itself is a perfectly responsible and kind choice.
Expert Tip: A solo Arowana is often called a “centerpiece” fish. In this case, you can focus all your attention on creating the perfect environment just for it. You won’t have to worry about compatibility, feeding competition, or aggression. A large, beautifully decorated tank with a single, magnificent Arowana can be just as stunning as a busy community tank.
How can I make my Arowana’s colors more vibrant?
A vibrant, colorful Arowana is a sign of a healthy and happy fish. Dull colors can be a sign of stress, poor diet, or improper lighting.
Expert Tip: Diet is the biggest factor in a fish’s color. Feed your Arowana a varied, high-quality diet rich in carotenoids, which are natural color enhancers. Foods like krill, shrimp, and red-colored pellets are excellent choices. Proper lighting also plays a role. Using a full-spectrum aquarium light designed to enhance fish colors can make a big difference. Finally, ensure the tank is a stress-free environment, as a happy fish will always show its best colors.
Conclusion
Wow, look at you! You’ve made it all the way to the end of this Arowana care journey. From learning why Arowanas are called “tank busters” to discovering the best Arowana tank mates, you now know what it takes to create a peaceful and stunning aquarium. You’ve learned how to choose fish based on their size, behavior, and compatibility, how to set up the perfect tank, and how to feed your Arowana and its tank mates the right way.
Creating a community tank with an Arowana isn’t just a hobby it’s an adventure. But here’s the secret: a little planning makes a big difference. The key to choosing the best Arowana tank mates is simple: do your research, be patient, and keep a close eye on your fish. When you give them enough space, clean water, proper filtration, and safe hiding spots, every fish has a chance to live happily.
Take a moment to feel proud. You’re not just setting up a fish tank, you’re building a living ecosystem, a peaceful home where your Arowana and its buddies can grow and shine. So go ahead, use what you’ve learned, and create a breathtaking underwater world.
Happy fish keeping, and may your Arowana and its friends swim happily ever after!