Arowana are highly prized freshwater fish known for their large size, predatory behaviors, and unique metallic sheen. Caring for them properly requires experience and a large tank. Read on to learn about these magnificent fish!
Introducing the Arowana
Arowana are a group of freshwater bonytongues fish native to South America and Asia. They are elongated, predatory fish that can grow over 3 feet long. Most popular aquarium varieties include silver, jardini, and Asian red tail arowana. Arowana are distinguished by their large scales, dorsal ribs, and mouth shape.
Arowana General Info
- Origins: Tropical waters in South America and Asia
- Size: Up to 3 feet in captivity
- Lifespan: 10-15 years with excellent care
- Temperament: Large, aggressive predators that require ample space
- Appearance: Elongated bodies, large metallic scales, upturned mouth, ribbon-like fins
- Varieties: Silver, black, jardini, Asian red tail
- Price: $50 – $500 depending on type, size and quality
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitat: Slow moving rivers, floodplains, tributaries in the tropics
- Minimum Tank Size: 150+ gallons, provide ample swimming room
- Water Parameters: 75-82°F; pH 6.0-7.0; soft water with moderate current
- Tank Setup: Fine gravel substrate, drifted wood, smooth rocks. Strong filtration.
Arowana Diet and Feeding
- Diet: Strict carnivores – eat insects, invertebrates, small fish in the wild
- Feed 2-3 times per day, provide variety of meaty frozen and live foods
Foods:
- High quality cichlid pellets
- Frozen silversides, krill, brine shrimp, blackworms
- Live guppies, mollies, ghost shrimp
- Crickets, mealworms
- Prawn, mussels, squid
Arowana Breeding and Care
- Challenging to breed in captivity, require large setup and perfect water conditions
- Use conditioned tank with soft, acidic water around 75°F to trigger natural spawning
- No parental care. Eggs hatch in 30+ hours, fry need live baby brine shrimp to survive
Common Arowana Health Issues
- Jumping – ensure tank has tight fitting lid and no gaps
- Malnutrition if not fed proper meat-based foods
- Susceptible to bacterial infections if water quality poor
- Maintain excellent water quality and varied carnivorous diet. Quarantine new fish.
Arowana Special Care and Compatibility
- Prefer to be solitary – only keep one Arowana per tank
- Should not be kept with small fish they can consume as prey
- Require advanced aquarist experience and large tank
- Certain color varieties more regulated than others when it comes to legal ownership
Suitable Arowana Tank Mates
- Large catfish like redtail catfish
- Bigger cichlids like oscars
- Silver dollars
- Giant gouramis
- Avoid small fish tank mates
Identifying Male vs Female Arowanas
- Males grow slightly larger and develop more pointed dorsal and anal fins
- Males may show more intense red coloration, especially when breeding
- Females have a more rounded, fuller abdominal region
Species Count:
Around 7 described, several color varieties each
Maximum Size:
Up to 3 feet in home aquariums. Growth very slow after the first 2 years.
Enhancing Colors:
High quality varied diet, excellent water conditions.
Growth Rate:
Fast initial growth, up to 12 inches in first year. Slows down dramatically after.
Lifespan:
10-15 years or longer with pristine tank conditions.
Caring for Arowana:
Huge tank, meaty foods daily, strong filter, tight fitting lid. Advanced keeper.
Best Foods:
Frozen krill, live guppies, high quality cichlid pellets.
Good Pets?
Only for very experienced aquarists with resources for large tank. Solitary fish.
Preventing Death:
Maintain excellent water quality. Use tight fitting tank lid. Proper nutrition.
Aggression Level:
Predatory toward any small tankmates they can swallow. Generally not aggressive fish toward mature tankmates.
Will They Kill Other Fish?
Yes, will eat any fish they can fit in their mouths. Cannot house with small fish.
As a professional aquarist, you might be looking for a website that can help you with your aquaristic needs. You might want to find information about different species of FreshWater Fish, SaltWater Fish, plants, corals, and invertebrates, as well as their care Equipment, compatibility, and behavior. You might also want to learn about the best equipment, products, and techniques for setting up and maintaining your aquariums. You might also want to connect with other aquarists and share your experiences, tips, and photos.
If that sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place. Our Website King Aquarium is dedicated to providing you with everything you need to know about aquaristics & Invertebrates.
Aquarium King
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