Are Arowana Fish Hard To Keep – Master Their Care And Create

Written ByHoward Parker

Picture this: a magnificent, shimmering Arowana gliding gracefully through its aquatic kingdom, a true living jewel that commands attention. Many aquarists dream of owning one of these prehistoric beauties, but a common question often holds them back: are arowana fish hard to keep?

You’re not alone if you’ve pondered this. The sheer size and majestic presence of an Arowana can make them seem like a daunting commitment, reserved only for seasoned experts. Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of demanding care routines or specific challenges that scare off potential owners.

Well, I’m here to tell you that while Arowanas require dedication and proper planning, they are far from impossible to keep. In fact, with the right knowledge and a proactive approach, these captivating fish can thrive under your care, becoming the undisputed centerpiece of your home. Forget the myths, because this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the insights and practical advice you need to confidently welcome an Arowana into your life.

We’ll dive deep into everything from creating their perfect habitat and mastering their diet to understanding their unique behaviors and troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll not only understand how to keep Arowana fish successfully but also feel empowered to provide a truly enriching life for these incredible aquatic dragons.

The Arowana Allure: Why the Myth of Difficulty?

Arowanas, often called “dragon fish” due to their iridescent scales and flowing fins, certainly have an imposing presence. They are large, active predators, and their reputation for being challenging often stems from a few key factors that, when misunderstood, can lead to problems.

The primary concerns usually revolve around their eventual size, their diet, and their need for pristine water conditions. It’s true that cutting corners with an Arowana will lead to issues. However, if you approach their care with respect for their natural needs, you’ll find that their requirements are predictable and manageable.

So, to directly answer the question, are arowana fish hard to keep? They are not inherently difficult for a committed aquarist. They demand consistency and a significant upfront investment in equipment, but they don’t require daily heroic efforts once established. Think of it as a commitment to a large pet, not an impossible puzzle.

Essential Setup: Your Arowana’s Grand Palace

When considering are arowana fish hard to keep, the first and most critical step is providing an appropriate home. An Arowana’s environment is paramount to its health and happiness.

Tank Size: Go Big or Go Home

This is non-negotiable. Arowanas grow large, often reaching 2-3 feet in length (60-90 cm) depending on the species. A small tank will stunt their growth, cause stress, and lead to health problems.

  • Minimum for a single Arowana: 150-200 gallons (570-760 liters) for most common species like the Silver Arowana.
  • Ideal: Larger is always better. A 250-300 gallon (950-1135 liters) tank provides ample swimming space and helps maintain stable water parameters.
  • Dimensions matter: Focus on length and width more than height. A tank that is at least 6-8 feet long and 2-3 feet wide is crucial for them to turn comfortably and swim without constantly bumping into glass.

Remember, this isn’t just about fitting the fish; it’s about providing a quality of life. An appropriately sized tank is foundational to avoiding many common problems with Arowana fish.

Filtration: The Lifeblood of Your Aquarium

Arowanas are messy eaters and produce a significant bio-load. Robust filtration is absolutely essential for keeping their water clean and healthy. Without it, even basic water parameters will be difficult to maintain, making you think are arowana fish hard to keep when the problem is simply inadequate filtration.

You’ll need a multi-stage filtration system:

  • Mechanical Filtration: To remove physical debris like uneaten food and waste.
  • Biological Filtration: To convert harmful ammonia and nitrites into less toxic nitrates. This is the most important aspect for large fish.
  • Chemical Filtration: Activated carbon or other media to remove odors, discolorations, and certain toxins.

Many experienced aquarists use multiple large canister filters, a powerful sump system, or a combination of both. Aim for a turnover rate of at least 5-10 times the tank volume per hour. Regular maintenance of your filters is a key part of Arowana fish care guide.

Substrate and Decor: Safety First

Arowanas are strong and can be easily spooked, leading to sudden bursts of movement. Their environment needs to be safe and uncluttered.

  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth, rounded gravel is best. Avoid sharp edges that could injure them. Many opt for a bare bottom tank for easier cleaning, which is perfectly acceptable.
  • Decor: Keep it minimal but functional. Large, smooth rocks or driftwood can provide visual breaks but ensure they are secure and don’t create tight spaces where the Arowana could get stuck or injure itself.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is usually sufficient. Intense lighting can stress them.
  • Tank Cover: This is CRITICAL. Arowanas are incredible jumpers. A heavy, secure lid with no gaps is an absolute must to prevent tragic accidents.

These setup are arowana fish hard to keep tips will lay the groundwork for a thriving environment.

Feeding Your Dragon: Arowana Diet Best Practices

A proper diet is fundamental to an Arowana’s health, coloration, and longevity. This is another area where many wonder are arowana fish hard to keep, but with a varied and appropriate diet, it’s quite straightforward.

What to Feed: A Varied Menu

Arowanas are carnivores and predators. Their diet should mimic what they would eat in the wild.

  • Staple Foods: High-quality Arowana pellets or sticks are a good base, formulated to provide essential nutrients.
  • Live Foods (with caution): Feeder fish (ensure they are quarantined and disease-free), large insects (crickets, mealworms, superworms), earthworms. Live foods should be offered as treats, not the sole diet, due to potential disease transmission and nutritional imbalances.
  • Frozen Foods: Krill, prawns, mussels, silversides, bloodworms (for juveniles). These are excellent because they offer variety without the risk of live food pathogens. Thaw thoroughly before feeding.
  • Avoid: Fatty foods like mammalian meat (chicken, beef heart) as they can cause digestive issues. Also, avoid goldfish as feeder fish due to their thiaminase content, which can cause vitamin deficiencies.

A varied diet is key to preventing nutritional deficiencies and keeping your Arowana engaged. This is one of the core are arowana fish hard to keep best practices.

Feeding Frequency and Portions

Juvenile Arowanas need to be fed more frequently than adults to support their rapid growth.

  • Juveniles (under 12 inches): 2-3 times a day, small portions they can consume in a few minutes.
  • Adults: Once a day or even every other day, depending on their size and activity level.

Always remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent water quality degradation. Overfeeding is a common mistake that can quickly lead to health problems and dirty water.

Water Parameters: The Invisible Pillars of Health

Maintaining stable and pristine water quality is perhaps the most critical aspect of Arowana care. This is where many people might find are arowana fish hard to keep if they neglect consistency. Arowanas are sensitive to poor water conditions.

Stability is Key

Sudden fluctuations in water parameters are incredibly stressful for Arowanas. Aim for consistency.

  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C). Use reliable heaters with a thermometer to monitor.
  • pH: Generally, a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5) is suitable for most common Arowana species. Asian Arowanas prefer slightly lower pH.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (dH 5-12).
  • Ammonia, Nitrite: ZERO. Always.
  • Nitrate: Keep below 20 ppm. Regular water changes are the best way to manage nitrates.

Invest in a good quality liquid test kit (not strips) and test your water regularly, especially when setting up a new tank or if you notice any unusual behavior from your fish. This proactive approach is a cornerstone of any good are arowana fish hard to keep care guide.

Regular Water Changes: Non-Negotiable

Even with excellent filtration, nitrates will accumulate. Regular water changes dilute these nitrates and replenish essential trace elements.

  • Frequency: At least 25-30% weekly for adult Arowanas. For very large tanks or heavy bio-loads, 50% weekly or even bi-weekly might be necessary.
  • Procedure: Always use dechlorinated water that is temperature-matched to your tank. Siphon water from the bottom to remove accumulated waste.

Water changes are the single most effective tool for maintaining good water quality and preventing disease. Don’t skip them!

Common Challenges & Solutions: Navigating Arowana Ownership

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter some issues. Understanding common problems with are arowana fish hard to keep can help you address them quickly and effectively.

Drop Eye: Prevention and Management

This is a common condition, particularly in Silver Arowanas, where one or both eyes begin to droop downwards. While unsightly, it’s usually not life-threatening.

  • Cause: Often attributed to looking down for food (especially bottom-dwelling feeder fish) or a high-fat diet.
  • Prevention: Feed a varied diet of floating foods, keep the tank bottom clear of distractions, and some aquarists suggest a dark background or side panels to encourage forward viewing.
  • Management: Can sometimes be reversed or improved by diet changes and environmental adjustments. In severe cases, surgical intervention is an option, but it’s risky.

Fin Nipping and Aggression

Arowanas can be territorial, especially towards other Arowanas or fish with similar body shapes. This makes choosing tank mates carefully essential.

  • Tank Mates: Generally, it’s best to keep Arowanas with fish that are too large to be eaten but not so aggressive they will bully the Arowana. Good options include large plecos, stingrays, Datnoids, larger Cichlids (e.g., Oscar, Green Terror, but monitor closely), or large schooling fish like Silver Dollars or Tinfoil Barbs.
  • Aggression Management: Provide plenty of space and visual breaks with decor. If aggression becomes severe, tank mates may need to be removed.

Jumping: The Escape Artist

As mentioned, Arowanas are powerful jumpers. This isn’t a problem, but a natural instinct, and it becomes a challenge if your tank isn’t properly secured.

  • Solution: A heavy, secure, tightly fitting lid is your only defense. Ensure there are no gaps around heaters, filters, or air lines.

Being aware of these potential issues is part of the “how to are arowana fish hard to keep” equation. Preparation is key!

Sustainable & Ethical Arowana Keeping

As responsible aquarists, it’s vital to consider the origin and welfare of our fish. This contributes to sustainable are arowana fish hard to keep practices.

Many Arowana species, particularly Asian Arowanas (Scleropages formosus), are endangered in the wild and are protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). This means legally traded Asian Arowanas must be microchipped and come with certification.

Always purchase your Arowana from reputable dealers who can provide documentation of their fish’s origin. This ensures you are not inadvertently supporting illegal wildlife trade and contributes to eco-friendly are arowana fish hard to keep practices by supporting responsible breeding programs.

Researching the specific species you are interested in is crucial, as care requirements and conservation status can vary.

Is An Arowana Right For You? Benefits and Considerations

So, after all this, are arowana fish hard to keep for you? The answer largely depends on your commitment and resources.

The Benefits of Arowana Ownership

For those who commit, the benefits of are arowana fish hard to keep are immense:

  • Stunning Beauty: Their majestic presence and shimmering scales make them an unparalleled focal point.
  • Interactive Pets: Arowanas can recognize their owners, take food from their hands, and even follow movement outside the tank.
  • Long Lifespan: With proper care, Arowanas can live for 10-20 years, becoming long-term companions.
  • Sense of Accomplishment: Successfully keeping such a magnificent fish is incredibly rewarding.

Key Considerations Before You Buy

Before taking the plunge, honestly assess these points:

  1. Space: Do you have room for a very large aquarium (150-300+ gallons)? This is non-negotiable.
  2. Budget: Arowanas themselves can be expensive, and the cost of a large tank, powerful filtration, and ongoing food can be significant.
  3. Time: Are you committed to regular water changes, filter maintenance, and monitoring?
  4. Patience: Arowanas are long-lived and grow large. This is a long-term commitment.

If you can confidently meet these requirements, then an Arowana might just be the perfect addition to your aquatic family. You’re ready to tackle the challenge and enjoy the immense rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arowana Care

Are Arowana fish hard to keep for beginners?

While Arowanas are not typically recommended for absolute beginners due to their size and specific needs, an enthusiastic beginner who is willing to do thorough research, invest in the correct equipment, and commit to consistent care can certainly succeed. It requires more preparation than a typical community tank, but it’s achievable with dedication.

What is the most common mistake when keeping Arowanas?

The most common mistake is providing an undersized tank. This leads to stunted growth, stress, aggression, and a host of health issues. Inadequate filtration and inconsistent water changes are also major pitfalls.

How often should I feed my Arowana?

Juvenile Arowanas (under 12 inches) should be fed 2-3 times a day. Adult Arowanas can be fed once a day or every other day. Always offer portions they can consume within a few minutes and remove any uneaten food promptly.

Can Arowanas live with other fish?

Yes, Arowanas can be kept with suitable tank mates, but choose carefully. They are predatory, so any fish small enough to fit in their mouth will be eaten. Opt for large, peaceful, or semi-aggressive fish that are too big to be considered prey and won’t outcompete or bully the Arowana. Examples include large plecos, stingrays, or some larger cichlids (with caution).

What water parameters are ideal for Arowanas?

Most Arowana species thrive in stable temperatures between 75-82°F (24-28°C) and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5-7.5. Ammonia and nitrites should always be zero, and nitrates kept below 20 ppm through regular water changes.

Conclusion

So, are arowana fish hard to keep? The truth is, they demand respect, preparation, and consistency, but they are incredibly rewarding. They are not a “set it and forget it” fish, but with the right knowledge and dedication, they are far from being an impossible challenge. By understanding their needs for a spacious environment, a varied diet, pristine water, and a secure lid, you’re already well on your way to success.

At Aquifarm, we believe that every aquarist, with the right guidance, can achieve their aquatic dreams. Don’t let the myths deter you from experiencing the sheer majesty of an Arowana. Take these are arowana fish hard to keep guide principles to heart, plan thoroughly, and prepare to be captivated by one of the most magnificent fish on the planet.

Embrace the journey, enjoy the process, and soon you’ll be watching your own dragon fish thrive, a testament to your commitment and care. Happy fishkeeping!

Howard Parker
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