Arrowana and pleco together?

[Mike Davis]

I've got an 18" common pleco in a 120 gal tank and am contemplating a tank
mate for him (her?). One of the fish we're considering is a silver (South
American) arrowana.

Any experience or thoughts on whether the two species are compatible?

Thanks,
Mike D.

[NetMax]

"Mike Davis" > wrote in message
news:tGgjb.21718$N94.2370@lakeread02...
> I've got an 18" common pleco in a 120 gal tank and am contemplating a
tank
> mate for him (her?). One of the fish we're considering is a silver
(South
> American) arrowana.
>
> Any experience or thoughts on whether the two species are compatible?
>
> Thanks,
> Mike D.

Behaviourally OK. Feeding also OK (though completely different
spectrum). Territorially OK (completely different zones). Chemically OK
(same water parameters). My only concern is if the plec wanted a bit of
protein, he could take a dime sized chunk out of the Aro. Fortunately
this is relatively uncommon, occurring more with bottom dwelling Carp
family fish (Goldfish, Koi etc) in circumstances where the plec is not
provided enough food (or variety). In an Aro/plec set-up, the plec would
probably have lots of higher protein scraps which escape the Aro's notice
falling to the bottom.

There is always some risk with large plecs and tank-mates large enough
for the plec to attach to. As risk goes, an Aro would not be a higher
than average risk candidate. Keep that plec well fed.

NetMax

[Mike Davis]

Thanks Max. My pleco seems pretty well fed (perhaps that's why he's grown
from 3" to over 18" in less than 3 years).

It appears this might be a feasible co-housing arrangement. I'll have to
start interviewing for the right arowana for Hoover's room mate...
;-)

Regards,
Mike D

"NetMax" > wrote in message
.. .
>
> "Mike Davis" > wrote in message
> news:tGgjb.21718$N94.2370@lakeread02...
> > I've got an 18" common pleco in a 120 gal tank and am contemplating a
> tank
> > mate for him (her?). One of the fish we're considering is a silver
> (South
> > American) arrowana.
> >
> > Any experience or thoughts on whether the two species are compatible?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Mike D.
>
> Behaviourally OK. Feeding also OK (though completely different
> spectrum). Territorially OK (completely different zones). Chemically OK
> (same water parameters). My only concern is if the plec wanted a bit of
> protein, he could take a dime sized chunk out of the Aro. Fortunately
> this is relatively uncommon, occurring more with bottom dwelling Carp
> family fish (Goldfish, Koi etc) in circumstances where the plec is not
> provided enough food (or variety). In an Aro/plec set-up, the plec would
> probably have lots of higher protein scraps which escape the Aro's notice
> falling to the bottom.
>
> There is always some risk with large plecs and tank-mates large enough
> for the plec to attach to. As risk goes, an Aro would not be a higher
> than average risk candidate. Keep that plec well fed.
>
> NetMax
>
>