Can Lyretail Killifish live with Silver Arowana?
High risk due to water mismatch, aggression, or predation.
Why Lyretail Killifish and Silver Arowana Don't Make an Easy Pair
The size gap is 33.5" — Lyretail Killifish (2.5") and Silver Arowana (36.0"). A fish that fits in another fish's mouth will eventually end up there.
Lyretail Killifish
Aphyosemion australe
| Adult Size: | 2.5" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Tank: | 10 gal |
| Temperature: | 72-77°F |
| pH Range: | 6.0-7.0 |
Silver Arowana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
| Adult Size: | 36.0" |
| Temperament: | semi-aggressive |
| Min Tank: | 250 gal |
| Temperature: | 75-82°F |
| pH Range: | 6.0-7.5 |
Water Parameter Overlap
| Parameter | Lyretail Killifish | Silver Arowana | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72-77°F | 75-82°F | 2°F ✓ |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 | 6.0-7.5 | 1.0 ✓ |
Compatibility Breakdown
Temperament Match: peaceful + semi-aggressive. Semi-aggressive → watch territory and feeding.
⚠️ Size Predation Risk: Lyretail Killifish (2.5") vs Silver Arowana (36.0"). A 33.5" gap — the larger fish will view the smaller fish as food.
⚠️ Diet Conflict: A carnivore sharing water with a fish small enough to fit in its mouth is a waiting game. Feed generously, but the risk is structural — not something you can manage meal by meal.
Score: 30.0/100 (GOOD ≥80, CAUTION ≥50, RISKY <50).
🔧 Tank Setup Requirements (for Both)
- Minimum tank: 250 gallons — sized for the larger fish in the pair.
- Temperature: keep it between 75°F and 77°F.
- pH: maintain 6.0 – 7.0.
- Hiding spots: essential for Lyretail Killifish — caves, plants, or driftwood to retreat when feeling stressed.
- Water changes: 25% weekly minimum. Two species mean double the bioload.
🔧 Tank Stocking Calculator
Enter tank size to calculate safe stocking levels:
Recommended Equipment
Based on tank size 250+ gallons:
Floating food sticks for large carnivorous surface feeders
Explore Related Checks
See what else works with these fish:
⚠️ Common Reasons This Pairing Fails in Practice
- Narrow temperature margin: Only 2°F of overlap means a stuck heater or seasonal temperature swing can push one species out of its comfort zone.
- Size-based predation: The 33.5" size gap means the larger fish may eat the smaller one once it grows to full size. This is not fixable with more hiding spots.
- Diet-driven aggression: A carnivore sharing a tank with bite-sized tank mates creates structural risk — no amount of generous feeding eliminates the instinct to hunt.
- Overcrowding: Even compatible species fail in tanks that are too small. Double the species means double the bioload — 25% weekly water changes are the minimum.
- Inadequate acclimation: Adding both species on the same day without quarantine is a common mistake. Always drip-acclimate new arrivals and quarantine for 2–4 weeks.
Tools & Resources
Accuracy note: This tool uses expert rules + FishBase.org data. Individual fish behavior varies — a peaceful individual Lyretail Killifish may act differently from its species average. Always observe, quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks, and avoid overcrowding. If a pairing says CAUTION, start with a smaller group and a lid.