If you’re seeking a quick answer to this question, the answer is YES, you can keep Arowana and Flowerhorn in the same tank, provided certain conditions are met. Arowana and Flowerhorn, being distinct ornamental fish varieties, enjoy significant popularity among aquarium enthusiasts.
Having both of these awesome fishes in the same tank can create a visually stunning display. However, achieving a balanced cohabitation between Arowana and Flowerhorn poses several challenges, including potential clashes, injuries, and disease risks.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a detailed guide on successfully keeping Flowerhorn cichlid and Arowana together in the same tank. Let’s get started.
Flowerhorn and Arowana live together
Yes, as mentioned earlier, flowerhorn and arowana fishes can be kept in the same tank and coexist. However, the main issue arises when the two species come into conflict.
Arowanas are elongated fish that prefer to swim near the top of the tank and move quickly without resting, constantly swimming around the tank.
On the other hand, flowerhorns are territorial and more aggressive, asserting dominance over the tank and swimming throughout its tank. These are the typical behaviors of arowanas and flowerhorns.
If we can address these issues and maintain peace in between, it is possible to successfully keep both species together in the same tank.
Best tank size:
Due to the rapid growth and heavy diet of both fish, it is advisable to use a large tank, especially one that is over 4 feet in length. This will help minimize potential conflicts between flowerhorn and Arowana.
The tank’s length will allow the arowana to swim freely, while the flowerhorn can establish its territory within the space.
Essential tank accessories:
When housing two aggressive fish in the same tank, one is likely to be at a disadvantage, as is the case with the flowerhorn. It is beneficial to include hiding spaces such as,
- Sharpless Driftwoods
- Toys
- Clay pots
- Stones
Within the tank to provide shelter and resting areas for the flowerhorn. Additionally, a reliable filtration system that efficiently removes waste from both the flowerhorn and arowana, as well as a heater, are essential components for maintaining their environment
Flowerhorn and Arowana tank activities:
Understanding the behavioral patterns of Arowana and Flowerhorn fish is compulsory for creating a cooperative tank environment. Here are insights into their behaviors:
Arowana:
- Arowana fish possess larger mouths and quick response abilities.
- When considering adding a Flowerhorn with an Arowana, ensure the Flowerhorn’s size exceeds the Arowana’s mouth size to prevent potential biting or fatal attacks.
- Due to the Arowana’s preference for swimming in the upper part of the tank, it’s advisable to have a tank with significant height and length. This design minimizes the likelihood of conflicts between the two species.
Flowerhorn:
- Flowerhorn cichlids exhibit a high level of aggression, with strong bite power and sharp teeth.
- To mitigate the risk of damage to the Arowana’s body or eyes, provide a larger tank with ample hiding spaces or tank accessories. This approach helps prevent potential fights and ensures the well-being of both fish
When these mentioned aspects are neglected, it triggers frequent conflicts. Look at the clashes between Arowana and Flowerhorn as a case in point
Things to monitor on the tank:
Food Intake:
When you keep Arowana and Flowerhorn in the same tank, one may end up dominating the tank, leaving the other with less food. The dominant fish tends to get more food, while the weaker one may struggle to eat enough.
To ensure both fishes get the right amount of food, the owner should regularly check and monitor their food intake.
Feeding Arowana with its stick food or live fish brings the risk of Flowerhorn eating it. If Flowerhorn can easily swallow it, that’s fine. However, Arowana’s stick food is usually elongated, making it challenging for Flowerhorn to digest or swallow.
To avoid this, make sure to feed Arowana and Flowerhorn separately by getting their attention and providing each fish with its specific food.
Injuries or Diseases:
Keeping two aggressive fish in the same tank is a bit like having a silent battle. Sometimes, they might get along well, enjoying peaceful moments and quiet routines. However, if one starts trying to take control, it can lead to ongoing fights or injuries.
There’s also a chance of diseases spreading, as one sick fish can affect the other. It’s strongly advised to keep a close eye on any injuries, diseases, or signs of illness regularly
Things to avoid while keeping Arowana and flowerhorn together:
When you have both fishes in the same tank, prioritize the following:
- Leaving the tank undisturbed for a few days (when going on vacation, etc.)
- Avoiding toys or accessories with sharp edges
- Ensuring a good filtration system
- Having a tank with a heater
- Providing a closed top for the tank (Arowana is a good jumper)
- Avoiding short and small tanks
- Avoiding a mismatch in size, such as placing a small Flowerhorn with a big Arowana, or vice versa.
- When going on leave or vacation, it’s advisable to place the Arowana and Flowerhorn in separate tanks to ensure a peaceful time for both
Some Examples of tanks:
By following all the suggestions and steps to ensure the well-being of both species in the same tank, you’ll end up with an amazing aquarium featuring Flowerhorn and Arowana. An example is provided below
Wrapping up:
When you keep Arowana and Flowerhorn together, you need to think about how they behave, the tank setup, and how you feed them. Making sure everything is balanced involves taking action ahead of time, like having the right tank size, adding accessories, and keeping a close eye on them.
We’re thankful for our readers who care about their fish, and we hope this guide helps you successfully keep Arowana and Flowerhorn together.
Thanks for joining us in the world of AngryFishes!