Discus and Silver Arowana Compatibility Overview
Discus and Silver Arowana are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Discus is semi and Silver Arowana is aggressive. Expect chasing and fin damage unless the tank is oversized, heavily planted, and watched closely. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Discus | Silver Arowana | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 82โ88ยฐF | 68โ86ยฐF | โ 82โ86ยฐF |
| pH Range | 5.0โ7.0 | 5.0โ7.5 | โ 5.0โ7.0 |
| Temperament | semi | aggressive | โ Risk |
| Adult Size | 8 in | 31.5 in | โ ๏ธ 3.9ร difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Discus โ Symphysodon spp.
The 'king of the aquarium' โ beautiful but demanding. Requires very warm, soft, acidic water that excludes most community fish.
Silver Arowana โ Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
The Silver Arowana is a majestic and unique fish known for its striking appearance and size. It is a large, predatory fish that requires a spacious tank and specific water conditions. While not a community fish, it can be kept with compatible, larger species. They are sensitive to stress and require careful water quality management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Discus live with Silver Arowana?
Generally not recommended. Discus and Silver Arowana are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Discus is semi and Silver Arowana is aggressive. Expect chasing and fin damage unless the tank is oversized, heavily planted, and watched closely. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Discus and Silver Arowana together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Discus and Silver Arowana together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Discus and Silver Arowana?
82โ86ยฐF โ inside Discus's 82โ88ยฐF and Silver Arowana's 68โ86ยฐF.
Is a Discus aggressive toward a Silver Arowana?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Discus and Silver Arowana
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 250 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 350 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 450 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |