Can african cichlids live with arowanas?
Verdict
No
No. African cichlids and arowanas should not share a tank. Different water: african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6, arowanas want pH 6–7.
What to watch
- Deal breakerDifferent water: african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6, arowanas want pH 6–7.
- Deal breakerAn adult silver arowana eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 5 inches african cichlids do.
- Deal breakerBoth are aggressive, and arowanas are much bigger, so african cichlids lose.
- Watch outArowanas grow to 36 inches and need 250 gallons, far more than a tank set up for african cichlids.
What works
- Both are fine at 75–82°F.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| African cichlid | Silver arowana | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–82 °F | 75–86 °F |
| pH | 7.8–8.6 | 6–7 |
| Adult size | 5.0 in | 36.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gal | 250 gal |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Aggressive |
| Swims at | All levels | Top |
| Group | Groups of 6+ | One per tank |
| Diet | Herbivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for african cichlids
All african cichlid tank mates
Questions
Can african cichlids live with arowanas?
No. African cichlids and arowanas should not share a tank. Different water: african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6, arowanas want pH 6–7.
What temperature suits both african cichlids and arowanas?
75–82 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, arowanas need 75–86 °F.
What size tank do african cichlids and arowanas need together?
At least 250 gal, set by the silver arowana. Add space for each extra fish.