Can platies live with arowanas?
Verdict
No
No. Platies and arowanas should not share a tank. An adult silver arowana eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches platies do.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAn adult silver arowana eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches platies do.
- Deal breakerArowanas are aggressive and will bully peaceful platies.
- Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.
- Watch outArowanas grow to 36 inches and need 250 gallons, far more than a tank set up for platies.
What works
- Both are fine at 75–80°F.
- They use different parts of the tank: platies the mid, arowanas the top.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Platy | Silver arowana | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–80 °F | 75–86 °F |
| pH | 7–8.2 | 6–7 |
| Adult size | 2.5 in | 36.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 10 gal | 250 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Aggressive |
| Swims at | Middle | Top |
| Group | Groups of 3+ | One per tank |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for platies
Questions
Can platies live with arowanas?
No. Platies and arowanas should not share a tank. An adult silver arowana eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches platies do.
What temperature suits both platies and arowanas?
75–80 °F. Platies need 70–80 °F, arowanas need 75–86 °F.
What size tank do platies and arowanas need together?
At least 250 gal, set by the silver arowana. Add space for each extra fish.