20 Best Arowana Tank Mates
When it comes to keeping a majestic Arowana as the centerpiece of your aquarium, finding the perfect tank mates can be a challenging task. Fear not, as we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 Arowana companions that will not only coexist peacefully but also create an incredibly thriving underwater environment.
Dive in and discover the perfect blend of color, variety, and harmony for your Arowana aquarium.
Clown Loaches
Clown Loaches are an excellent choice for an Arowana tank due to their peaceful nature and striking appearance. With their vibrant orange and black striped bodies, these bottom-dwelling fish are as stunning as they are friendly.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 100 gal (378 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; requires a mix of sinking pellets, algae wafers, vegetables, and live/frozen foods
- Adult Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
While their compatibility with Arowanas is high, it’s essential to make sure you provide a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots, as Clown Loaches love to explore and hide in caves or tunnels. Additionally, pair them with at least six individuals, as they thrive in a group setting.
Remember that these fish are large, active and do best when provided with pristine water quality, a stable environment, and a well-balanced diet.
Freshwater Stingray
Freshwater Stingrays bring an exotic touch to any Arowana tank with their graceful movement and unique appearance. These captivating creatures are like living works of art, gliding along the aquarium floor.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 180 gals (680 L) minimum
- Care Level: Expert
- Temperament: Peaceful, but can be territorial
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous; prefers sinking pellets, live or frozen meaty foods like shrimp and earthworms
- Adult Size: Up to 24 inches (61 cm) in diameter, depending on species
Be aware that keeping Freshwater Stingrays comes with its challenges, as they require pristine water quality, an expansive, sand-bottomed tank, and diligent maintenance. They can also sting when threatened, but incidents are rare in a well-kept aquarium.
Arowanas typically inhabit the upper water column, while Stingrays occupy the bottom, minimising potential conflicts. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to choose a relatively inactive Arowana, like the Silver or Black, to avoid stressing the more sedentary Stingray. Provide both species ample space and remember to closely monitor their behavior to ensure a harmonious relationship.
Tiger Datnoid
Tiger Datnoids, with their remarkable tiger-like stripes and robust bodies, make an imposing addition to an Arowana tank. These beautiful fish are known for their unique hunting style, making them one of the most interesting Arowana companions.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 150 gals (568 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous; prefers live or frozen fish, shrimp, and invertebrates
- Adult Size: Up to 16 inches (40 cm)
While Tiger Datnoids can be relatively peaceful tank mates for Arowanas, keep in mind they may show aggression towards other fish that are smaller or similarly sized. It’s crucial to introduce equal-sized fish simultaneously to reduce the risk of territorial disputes.
Additionally, provide a spacious aquarium with dense vegetation and hiding spots to elicit peaceful interactions. Ensure pristine water quality and a balanced diet of protein-rich food to maintain the overall health and well-being of your fish.
Pay close attention to your Arowana and Tiger Datnoid’s behaviors, adjusting their environment as needed to create harmonious living conditions.
Blood Parrot Cichlids
Blood Parrot Cichlids, with their vibrant colors and unique body shape, can make an unexpected yet rewarding addition to an Arowana tank. These hybrid fish bring personality and contrast to the underwater world.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 50 gals (190 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; requires a mix of high-quality pellets, vegetables, and live or frozen protein sources
- Adult Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm)
While Blood Parrot Cichlids’ compatibility with Arowanas is moderate, their bold temperament can help them stand their ground. It’s essential to ensure both fish have ample space to prevent territorial disputes, especially as Blood Parrot Cichlids can show aggression and nip at other fish.
Integrate plenty of plants, rocks, and hiding spots to provide a sense of security and minimize stress among your tank inhabitants.
Mind the water quality, as Blood Parrot Cichlids thrive in stable conditions. Offer them a varied and balanced diet, catering to their omnivorous needs. Observe the interaction between your Blood Parrot Cichlids and Arowanas, making adjustments as needed to cultivate a peaceful aquarium community.
Common Pleco
Common Plecos, with their rugged, armored bodies and distinct appearance, make a fantastic addition to the Arowana tank as they bring diversity and serve as practical algae eaters.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 100 gals (378 L) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivorous; primarily consumes algae and plant material, requires algae wafers and occasional fresh vegetables
- Adult Size: Up to 24 inches (60 cm)
Their compatibility with Arowanas is excellent, as they tend to be peaceful and prefer a different water column, avoiding potential conflicts. Be aware that Common Plecos can grow quite large, so housing them with similarly sized Arowanas helps create balance in the tank.
A spacious and well-structured aquarium with numerous hiding spots and plenty of driftwood is essential for the well-being of your Common Pleco. Maintain stable water parameters and provide a nutrient-rich diet to ensure the continued health and happiness of your Arowana and Pleco duo.
Keep an eye on their interaction to ensure smooth coexistence in their shared aquatic environment.
Black Knife Fish
Black Knife Fish, known for their elongated, eel-like bodies and intriguing nocturnal behavior, bring an air of mystery to any Arowana aquarium while coexisting harmoniously.
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: 100 gals (378 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous; prefers live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small fish
- Adult Size: Up to 20 inches (50 cm)
These fascinating fish share high compatibility with Arowanas due to their peaceful demeanor and tendency to occupy different water columns. They require an aquarium with abundant hiding spots, as they prefer shelter during the day and are more active at night.
The key to a harmonious Arowana and Black Knife Fish tank is maintaining pristine water conditions and providing a balanced diet that caters to their carnivorous appetite. It’s vital to monitor their interactions, ensuring they coexist in a stress-free and thriving environment.
A well-planned tank design, coupled with diligent care, will make the Black Knife Fish a worthy companion for your Arowana.
Snakehead Fish
Snakehead Fish possess a striking appearance and confident demeanor, making them an eye-catching addition to any Arowana aquarium while showcasing their predatory prowess.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 150 gals (568 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Predatory and territorial
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous; requires live or frozen feeder fish, insects, and crustaceans
- Adult Size: Up to 39 inches (100 cm), depending on species
Although their compatibility with Arowanas can be moderate, careful planning can lead to successful cohabitation. Consider introducing a Snakehead Fish of similar size to your Arowana to mitigate territorial disputes.
A spacious tank with ample hiding spots and dense vegetation is essential for a peaceful environment. Regular water changes will help maintain suitable living conditions for both Arowanas and Snakehead Fish. A diet rich in proteins is crucial to fulfilling their carnivorous needs, and observing their interactions is essential to ensuring harmonious coexistence.
Before adding a Snakehead Fish to your tank, verify their legality in your region, as some species are prohibited due to their invasive nature.
Iridescent Shark
Iridescent Sharks, named for their shimmering skin and streamlined bodies, can bring a sense of serene fluidity to an Arowana aquarium, creating a visually captivating underwater world.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 250 gals (946 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; prefers a mix of high-quality pellets, vegetables, and live or frozen protein sources
- Adult Size: Up to 48 inches (122 cm)
These peaceful, fast-swimming fish generally coexist well with Arowanas, as their size allows them to avoid being perceived as prey. The key to successful Iridescent Shark and Arowana cohabitation is providing a spacious tank with plenty of open swim areas as well as hiding spots.
It’s important to maintain pristine water quality, as Iridescent Sharks are sensitive to water conditions. Cater to their omnivorous diet by offering a diverse and nutritious mix of foods, and monitor their interactions closely. With careful planning and diligent upkeep, Iridescent Sharks can be compatible companions to your Arowana.
Pacu Fish
With their impressive size and intriguing personalities, Pacu Fish can make a fascinating and compatible addition to an Arowana tank, providing a sense of balance in the aquatic environment.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 250 gals (946 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful, but potentially disruptive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; requires a mix of high-quality pellets, vegetables, and live or frozen protein sources
- Adult Size: Up to 36 inches (91 cm)
Although they may appear intimidating, Pacu Fish are generally peaceful tank mates, but their large size and active nature may disturb more sensitive and slow-moving fish. Careful tank planning ensures sufficient space and comfortable living conditions.
Maintaining pristine water conditions and providing a varied diet that caters to their omnivorous needs contribute to Pacu Fish’s overall well-being. Keep a close eye on their interactions, as their strong teeth may lead to mischief with plants or other tank decorations. With proper care, Pacu Fish can become a unique and harmonious companion to your Arowana.
Silver Dollar Fish
Silver Dollar Fish, known for their round, disc-shaped bodies and charming personalities, can make an engaging and compatible addition to an Arowana tank, accentuating its visual appeal.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 75 gals (284 L) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivorous; prefers a mix of vegetable flakes, pellets, and fresh vegetables
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
These fish are ideal companions for Arowanas due to their peaceful nature, and they often swim together in the middle water column. Keep Silver Dollar Fish in groups of five or more to reduce their shyness and encourage active social behavior.
The key to a harmonious Arowana and Silver Dollar Fish tank is providing enough space, hiding spots, and an environment featuring plenty of plants – although be prepared for some plant nibbling.
Maintain clean water conditions and ensure a balanced, vegetable-heavy diet for your Silver Dollar Fish. Closely monitoring their interactions will create a peaceful and visually appealing aquarium.
Flying Fox Fish
With their vibrant coloration and lively disposition, Flying Fox Fish make attractive and useful additions to an Arowana tank, serving as both companions and natural algae control.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30+ gal (114+ L) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; enjoys grazing on algae and requires sinking pellets, vegetables, and live or frozen protein sources
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
These energetic fish are well-suited to sharing a tank with Arowanas thanks to their bottom-dwelling nature, which minimizes direct encounters. Although they can exhibit aggressive behavior in small groups, maintaining a larger population of six or more individuals helps to distribute their assertiveness.
A well-planted tank with hiding spots and open swim areas allows your Arowana and Flying Fox Fish to coexist comfortably. To keep your fish happy and thriving, provide clean water conditions and a diet that caters to their omnivorous needs. Consistently observe interactions within the tank to guarantee a harmonious underwater community.
Green Terror Cichlid
Green Terror Cichlids, admired for their stunning, iridescent colors and captivating patterns, can create an energetic and vibrant atmosphere within an Arowana tank.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 75 gals (284 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; requires a mix of high-quality pellets and flakes, vegetables, and live or frozen protein sources
- Adult Size: Up to 10 inches (25 cm)
While these audacious cichlids can help balance the hierarchy within the tank, their compatibility with Arowanas can be challenging due to their aggressive nature. Proper tank dimensions and the addition of plenty of hiding spots can help minimize territorial disputes and promote a peaceful environment.
Keeping the water parameters well-maintained and offering a varied diet will optimize the health of both the Arowana and Green Terror Cichlid. Closely monitoring their interactions is crucial to fostering a harmonious aquatic habitat where both species can coexist.
Jack Dempsey Cichlid
Jack Dempsey Cichlids, prized for their striking appearance and dynamic personalities, can transform an Arowana tank into a captivating aquarium with added flair.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 55 gals (208 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; enjoys high-quality pellets, flakes, vegetables, and live or frozen protein sources
- Adult Size: Up to 10 inches (25 cm)
Though their compatibility with Arowanas can be moderate due to their aggressive nature, careful planning can lead to a successful pairing. Ensuring a spacious tank with numerous hiding spots, along with closely monitoring their interactions, will help create a peaceful aquatic environment.
Maintain pristine water conditions and offer a diverse, nutrient-rich diet to keep both Arowana and Jack Dempsey Cichlids healthy and content. Observe their behavior and make necessary adjustments, ensuring a harmonious living space for all tank inhabitants.
Firemouth Cichlid
Firemouth Cichlids, characterized by their bright red throats and engaging personalities, can add a burst of color and charm to an Arowana tank, enhancing the overall visual impact.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gals (114 L) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; prefers high-quality pellets, flakes, vegetables, and live or frozen protein sources
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
While the compatibility between Arowanas and Firemouth Cichlids can be moderate, a well-planned tank can foster peaceful coexistence. As these cichlids may display territorial behavior, ensure that your aquarium offers plenty of hiding spaces and live plants.
Proper care involves maintaining a stable aquatic environment with clean water parameters, as well as providing a varied and balanced diet. Observe their interactions consistently to achieve a lively yet harmonious community in your Arowana tank.
Texas Cichlid
The striking Texas Cichlid, known for its electric blue spots and bold personality, can create an alluring contrast within an Arowana tank, adding both beauty and character to the aquatic environment.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 75 gals (284 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; seeks high-quality pellets, flakes, vegetables, and live or frozen protein sources
- Adult Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
Although their compatibility can be moderate due to their aggressive nature, providing a meticulously designed tank can increase the chances of successful cohabitation. Offering spacious swimming areas, ample hiding spots, and rock caves can help alleviate territorial disputes and aggression.
Maintain clean water parameters, and cater to their omnivorous diet with a mix of protein and plant-based foods. Careful observation of your Arowana and Texas Cichlid’s interactions is vital to ensure a thriving and harmonious aquarium community.
Oscar Fish
Oscar Fish, celebrated for their mesmerizing color patterns and strong personalities, can make an exciting pairing with an Arowana, bringing diversity and entertainment to your aquarium.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 75 gal (284 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous; prefers live or frozen protein sources, including fish, shrimp, and insects
- Adult Size: Up to 14 inches (35 cm)
Despite their moderate compatibility, Oscars can coexist with Arowanas in a thoughtfully designed tank with ample swimming space and hiding areas. Pay close attention to their interactions, as the Oscar’s aggressive nature may result in territorial disputes.
Ensure pristine water quality and provide a nutritious, protein-rich diet to keep both species healthy and vibrant. By carefully monitoring your Arowana and Oscar Fish, you can cultivate a dynamic and captivating underwater world.
Peacock Bass
Peacock Bass, admired for their radiant colors and streamlined bodies, can bring an enticing visual contrast to an Arowana tank, showcasing the exceptional beauty of these predatory species.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 180 gal (681 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous; enjoys live or frozen fish, shrimp, and insects
- Adult Size: Up to 35 inches (89 cm), depending on species
Although compatibility can be moderate due to their predatory nature, a sizeable and carefully designed tank can facilitate peaceful cohabitation between Peacock Bass and Arowanas. Providing ample swimming areas and hiding spots, as well as introducing similarly sized fish, can reduce the risk of territorial disputes.
Maintaining excellent water quality and offering a protein-rich diet is essential to their well-being. Closely monitor the interactions between your Arowana and Peacock Bass to foster a harmonious and visually stunning aquatic display.
Tinfoil Barb
Tinfoil Barbs, renowned for their glittering silver scales and peaceful demeanor, can make an appealing and harmonious addition to an Arowana tank, adding a touch of reflective beauty.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 75 gal (284 L) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; requires a mix of high-quality pellets, flakes, vegetables, and live or frozen protein sources
- Adult Size: Up to 14 inches (35 cm)
Their compatibility with Arowanas is high, as their size enables them to avoid predation while their gentle temperament facilitates stress-free coexistence. To create a thriving aquarium environment, provide a spacious tank with ample hiding spots and plants both for shelter and supplemental nutrition.
Maintain clean water conditions, and offer a diverse and nutritious diet to support their omnivorous habits. By diligently monitoring their interactions, you can showcase a dazzling underwater realm with your Arowana and Tinfoil Barb living harmoniously together.
Bichir Fish
Bichir Fish, known for their ancient, prehistoric appearance and impressive size, make intriguing tank mates for an Arowana, creating a dynamic aquatic environment that captivates the imagination.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 90 gal (341 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous; prefers live or frozen protein sources such as fish, shrimp, and worms
- Adult Size: Up to 30 inches (76 cm), depending on species
Their compatibility with Arowanas is high, as they typically inhabit the bottom part of the tank, reducing potential conflicts. Ensure a large, well-structured tank with numerous hiding spots to accommodate both species’ preferences.
Maintain clean water conditions and supply a protein-rich diet for your Bichir Fish. Keep an eye on their interactions, making adjustments as needed to foster a harmonious living situation. A well-cared-for Bichir Fish can make an engaging and compatible companion for your Arowana.
Bala Shark
Bala Sharks, recognized for their sleek, torpedo-like bodies and playful swimming behavior, can add an energetic dynamic to an Arowana aquarium, creating an engaging underwater scene.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 120 gal (454 L) minimum
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; requires a mix of high-quality pellets, flakes, vegetables, and live or frozen protein sources
- Adult Size: Up to 14 inches (35 cm)
With their compatibility rating quite high, they coexist well with Arowanas due to their peaceful disposition and mid to top-level swimming habits. It’s essential to provide a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room as well as hiding spots for these active swimmers.
To maintain their health, ensure clean water conditions and offer a balanced diet that caters to their omnivorous needs. By observing their interactions and providing an appropriate aquarium environment, Bala Sharks can make a fantastic addition to your Arowana tank.
How to Choose Tank Mates for Arowana
Arowana are large, predatory fish known for their unique, striking appearance. They require careful consideration when it comes to choosing tank mates due to their territorial nature and predatory instincts. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose suitable tank mates for your Arowana.
Consider Arowana’s Size and Temperament
Arowana can reach lengths of up to 3 feet in a home aquarium. They are also known to be aggressive, so it’s important to select tank mates that can coexist with these traits.
Appropriate Tank Mate Characteristics
Given the Arowana’s size and temperament, suitable tank mates should:
- Be of similar size or larger. Small fish are likely to be seen as food.
- Have a robust nature that can tolerate the Arowana’s aggressive behavior.
- Occupy different areas of the tank, preferably bottom dwellers, to minimize territory disputes.
Avoid Unsuitable Tank Mates
It’s equally crucial to avoid certain types of fish. Avoid:
- Slow-moving or peaceful fish that can’t defend themselves.
- Fish that are small enough to be eaten.
- Fish that also occupy the top part of the tank, which is the Arowana’s territory.
Examples of Suitable and Unsuitable Tank Mates
The following table provides examples of suitable and unsuitable tank mates for your Arowana:
| Suitable Tank Mates | Unsuitable Tank Mates |
|---|---|
| Giant Gourami | Neon Tetras |
| Oscar Fish | Angelfish |
| Black Pacu | Discus |
| Plecostomus | Goldfish |
| Jaguar Cichlid | Guppies |
Steps to Introduce New Tank Mates
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to introduce new tank mates to your Arowana:
- Quarantine the new fish: Always quarantine new fish for at least two weeks to ensure they are not carrying diseases.
- Introduce in a neutral space: This can be achieved by rearranging the tank decor before introducing the new fish.
- Monitor closely: Keep a close eye on the interaction between your Arowana and its new tank mates, especially during the first few days.
Choosing tank mates for your Arowana doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With careful selection and introduction, your Arowana can live harmoniously with a variety of other fish.
Conclusion
An Arowana tank can be wonderfully enhanced with the addition of the right companions. By carefully considering compatibility and providing a thriving aquatic environment, you can create a diverse and captivating underwater realm. Have you found the perfect tank mates for your Arowana? Share your experience in the comments!
