Angelfish and Arowana are the most popular fish species among aquarium enthusiasts. Both are known for their unique beauty and fascinating behavior. However, many wonder if these two species can coexist in the same tank.
There is no straightforward answer to this question. While some people have successfully kept Angelfish and Arowana together, others have had negative experiences. It largely depends on the individual fish’s temperament and the tank’s size.
In this article, we will explore whether Angelfish can live with Arowana.
We will discuss the compatibility of these two species, their behavior in the same tank, and the conditions for maintaining a healthy environment.
By the end of this article, readers will better understand whether Angelfish and Arowana can coexist and how to create the best environment for their fish.
Understanding Angelfish
Natural Habitat
Angelfish are freshwater fish that are native to South America. They are typically found in slow-moving rivers and streams, as well as in flooded forests and swamps.
Angelfish prefer warm and slightly acidic water, with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. They also require plenty of hiding places, such as plants, rocks, and driftwood.
Behavior
Angelfish are known for their graceful, elegant swimming style. They are also exceptionally social and enjoy swimming in groups.
However, they can become territorial, especially during breeding. Angelfish are omnivores who eat various foods, including flakes, pellets, and frozen and live foods.
Temperament
Angelfish are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish of similar size. However, they can become aggressive towards smaller fish or fish with long, flowing fins.
It’s essential to provide plenty of hiding places and territory for each fish to help prevent aggression.
In summary, Angelfish are freshwater fish native to South America. They prefer warm, slightly acidic water and require plenty of hiding places.
They are graceful swimmers and social but can become territorial during the breeding season. Angelfish are generally peaceful but can become aggressive towards smaller fish or those with long, flowing fins.
Understanding Arowana
Natural Habitat
Arowanas are freshwater fish native to the Amazon River Basin in South America and Southeast Asia. They inhabit slow-moving rivers, streams, and flooded forests in the wild. They prefer clear, oxygen-rich water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Arowanas are known for their ability to jump out of the water to catch insects and other prey. Their specialized swim bladder allows them to gulp air from the surface and use it to breathe. This adaptation is essential for their survival in oxygen-poor environments.
Behavior
Arowanas are solitary fish that can grow up to three feet in length. They are known for their predatory behavior and eat anything that fits in their mouth, including smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans. Arowanas are also territorial and may become aggressive toward other fish if threatened.
In the wild, arowanas migrate upstream during the wet season to spawn. They are also known to form schools during the dry season when water levels are low.
Temperament
Arowanas are intelligent and curious fish that can recognize their owners and may even learn to perform tricks. However, they require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding places to thrive.
Arowanas can be aggressive towards other fish, especially if they are smaller or have similar coloration. They may also become stressed if kept in a crowded or noisy environment.
Overall, arowanas are fascinating fish that require specific care and attention to thrive in captivity. Understanding their natural habitat, behavior, and temperament is essential for providing them with a suitable environment in which to live.
Compatibility of Angelfish and Arowana
Size Comparison
Angelfish and Arowana have a significant difference in their size. Angelfish can grow up to 6 inches, while Arowana can grow up to 3 feet.
Due to this size difference, keeping them together in the same tank is not recommended. Arowana can easily swallow the Angelfish, which can lead to fatal consequences.
Dietary Needs
Angelfish are omnivores and require a balanced meat- and plant-based diet. On the other hand, Arowana are carnivores and require a diet of live prey such as small fish, shrimp, and insects.
Due to their different dietary needs, providing a suitable diet for both Angelfish and Arowana in the same tank can be challenging.
Aggression Levels
Angelfish are generally peaceful fish but can become aggressive towards their own species or other fish if they feel threatened.
On the other hand, Arowana is known to be an aggressive and territorial fish. They can attack other fish that invade their territory, including Angelfish.
Due to their aggression levels, keeping Arowana with any other fish, including Angelfish, is not recommended.
In conclusion, keeping Angelfish and Arowana together in the same tank is not recommended due to the significant size difference, different dietary needs, and aggression levels. It is best to keep them in separate tanks to ensure their well-being.
Creating a Suitable Environment
Tank Size
Creating a suitable environment for both species is essential when keeping Angelfish and Arowana together. One of the most important factors to consider is the size of the tank.
Both Angelfish and arowana are large fish that require plenty of swimming space. Generally, a tank size of at least 100 gallons is recommended for a single arowana, and an additional 50 gallons should be added for each additional arowana.
On the other hand, Angelfish requires a minimum tank size of 30 gallons for a single fish, with an additional 10 gallons needed for each extra fish.
It is important to note that while Angelfish and Arowana can live together, they may not always get along. Arowana is known to be aggressive and may see smaller fish, such as Angelfish, as prey. Keeping Angelfish with juvenile arowana or adult Arowana raised with other peaceful fish is recommended to minimize the risk of aggression.
Water Conditions
In addition to tank size, water conditions are also necessary when creating a suitable environment for Angelfish and Arowana.
Both species require clean, well-oxygenated water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Arowana prefers slightly warmer water temperatures between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, while Angelfish prefer temperatures between 74 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
To maintain optimal water conditions, a high-quality filtration system is essential.
A canister or sump filter is recommended, as these filters provide excellent mechanical and biological filtration. It is also essential to perform regular water changes to remove any excess waste and maintain good water quality.
Overall, creating a suitable environment for Angelfish and arowana requires careful consideration of tank size and water conditions. Both species can thrive together in a peaceful and healthy environment by providing a spacious tank with clean, well-oxygenated water.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
Feeding Issues
One of the potential challenges of keeping Angelfish and arowana together is feeding. Arowana are carnivorous and require a diet high in protein, while Angelfish are omnivorous and require a balanced diet of protein and vegetables.
If the Angelfish are not receiving enough protein, they may become malnourished and more susceptible to disease.
To address this issue, owners can provide a varied diet that includes protein-rich foods like shrimp and bloodworms for the Arowana and vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes for the Angelfish.
It is also essential to ensure that the Angelfish have access to food before the Arowana, as they are slower eaters and may be outcompeted for food.
Aggression Management
Another potential challenge is aggression between the two species. Arowana is known for its aggressive behavior and may view smaller fish like Angelfish as prey.
Angelfish may also become territorial and aggressive towards the Arowana, especially during breeding.
To manage aggression, owners can provide ample hiding places and territories for both species. This can be achieved by using plants, rocks, and other decorations in the aquarium.
It is also essential to ensure that the aquarium is large enough to accommodate both species and that they are not overcrowded.
Owners should also closely monitor both species’ behavior and be prepared to separate them if necessary. If aggression persists, it may be required to rehome one of the species to prevent harm to either fish.
While keeping Angelfish and Arowana together can present challenges, these issues can be appropriately managed.
By providing a varied diet, ample hiding places, monitoring behavior, and being prepared to separate the fish if necessary, owners can successfully keep these two species together in the same aquarium.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not recommended to keep Angelfish with Arowana. While both fish species are beautiful and popular among aquarium enthusiasts, they have different temperaments and requirements, making them incompatible tank mates.
Arowanas are large, aggressive fish that need ample space to swim and thrive. They are known to be territorial and may attack smaller fish, including Angelfish, which can result in injury or death. Additionally, arowanas are carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet, which may not be suitable for Angelfish.
On the other hand, Angelfish are peaceful and social fish that prefer to live in groups. They are also omnivorous and require a varied diet, including plant and animal matter. Angelfish may become stressed or intimidated by the presence of a larger and more aggressive fish like the Arowana.
While it may be tempting to keep these two fish species together due to their aesthetic appeal, it is essential to prioritize their health and well-being. Householding them separately in their tanks with appropriate water conditions and diet is best.
Overall, aquarium owners need to research and understand the needs of their fish before introducing them to a tank with other species. By providing the proper environment and care, fish can live happy and healthy lives in captivity.
