Arowana Fish Growing – The Ultimate Guide To Thriving Giants

Written ByHoward Parker

Dreaming of a magnificent, majestic arowana gracing your home aquarium? You’re not alone! These captivating “dragon fish” are truly stunning, but the idea of successfully overseeing their transformation from a small fry to a grand adult can feel a little intimidating. Don’t worry—you’ve got this! While they require specific care, understanding the journey of arowana fish growing is simpler than you might think, and incredibly rewarding.

At Aquifarm, we understand the passion behind keeping these incredible creatures. We’re here to promise you that with the right knowledge and dedication, you can cultivate a thriving, healthy arowana. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every essential step, from initial setup to advanced care, ensuring your arowana not only survives but truly flourishes. Get ready to unlock the secrets to successful arowana keeping!

Understanding Your Arowana: The Journey of Growth

Before diving into the specifics of arowana fish growing, it’s vital to appreciate the creature you’re bringing home. Arowanas are ancient, predatory freshwater fish known for their elongated bodies, large scales, and distinct “dragon-like” appearance. They can grow remarkably large, often exceeding two feet in length in captivity, and can live for 15-20 years or more with proper care. This makes them a long-term commitment, but one that offers immense satisfaction.

There are several species of arowana, with Asian Arowanas (like Red Tail Golden, Super Red) and Silver Arowanas being among the most popular. While their specific needs vary slightly, the core principles for their growth and well-being remain consistent. Our goal is to provide you with the best arowana fish growing guide to help you nurture your aquatic marvel.

The Foundation: Tank Setup for Optimal Arowana Fish Growing

The single most critical factor in successful arowana fish growing is providing an appropriately sized and well-maintained habitat. Think big, and then think bigger!

Tank Size Progression: From Fry to Adult

A common mistake aquarists make is underestimating the adult size of an arowana. While a small arowana fry might fit into a 30-gallon tank, this is only a temporary home. These fish grow *fast*.

  • Juvenile Arowana (up to 10 inches): A 75-100 gallon tank might suffice for a few months.
  • Sub-Adult Arowana (10-20 inches): You’ll need at least a 180-200 gallon tank.
  • Adult Arowana (20+ inches): A minimum of a 250-gallon tank is required, with 300+ gallons being ideal for long-term health and comfort. Remember, length isn’t the only factor; width and depth are crucial for turning and overall movement.

Investing in a large tank from the outset, if possible, saves you the hassle and stress of multiple upgrades. This is one of the top arowana fish growing best practices.

Filtration: Keeping Water Pristine

Arowanas are large, messy eaters, which means they produce a significant bioload. Robust filtration is non-negotiable for maintaining excellent water quality, which is paramount for their growth and preventing disease.

You’ll want to combine multiple types of filtration:

  • Mechanical Filtration: Sponges and filter floss remove physical debris. Clean these regularly.
  • Biological Filtration: Ceramic rings, bio-balls, or sponges provide surface area for beneficial bacteria to convert harmful ammonia and nitrites into less toxic nitrates.
  • Chemical Filtration: Activated carbon can help remove odors and discoloration, but should be replaced frequently.

Many experienced aquarists opt for a large external canister filter, a powerful sump system, or even both. Over-filtering your arowana tank is almost impossible; aim for a filter turnover rate of at least 10 times the tank volume per hour.

Heating, Lighting, and Decor

Arowanas are tropical fish and require stable water temperatures. Maintain a temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C) using a reliable heater, preferably two smaller ones for redundancy in large tanks.

Lighting should be moderate. While arowanas don’t have specific lighting requirements beyond what’s needed for viewing, intense lighting can sometimes stress them. A standard aquarium LED or fluorescent light on a 10-12 hour cycle is usually sufficient.

When it comes to decor, less is often more. Arowanas need plenty of open swimming space. Choose smooth, rounded rocks or driftwood to avoid injuries. A bare bottom tank is often preferred by serious arowana keepers for easier cleaning, though a thin layer of fine sand is acceptable if kept impeccably clean.

Crucial Tip: Arowanas are notorious jumpers! A heavy, secure lid is an absolute must to prevent your fish from escaping. Any gaps must be sealed.

Fueling Growth: Nutrition and Feeding for Your Arowana

Proper nutrition is key to maximizing your arowana fish growing potential and ensuring vibrant health. A varied, high-quality diet will lead to a strong, colorful fish.

A Balanced Diet for Rapid Growth

Arowanas are primarily carnivorous. Their diet should mimic what they’d eat in the wild. As they grow, their dietary needs will shift slightly.

  • Juveniles: Offer small live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, small feeder fish (quarantined and gut-loaded), crickets, and specialized arowana pellets. Feed 2-3 times a day.
  • Adults: Transition to larger prey. High-quality frozen foods like market shrimp, krill, mussels, and fish fillets (tilapia, cod – avoid fatty fish like salmon) are excellent. Live crickets, superworms, and dubia roaches are also great. Feed once a day, or every other day, depending on the fish’s size and activity level.

Avoid: Never feed goldfish or other feeder fish that haven’t been quarantined and gut-loaded, as they can carry diseases or parasites. Also, avoid feeding excessive amounts of red meat (like beef heart), as it can be difficult for them to digest and lead to health issues.

It’s important to offer variety. Don’t stick to just one type of food. A mix of pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live treats will provide a complete nutritional profile. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and water quality problems, so keep an eye on your fish’s girth and adjust accordingly.

Water Parameters: The Secret to Healthy Arowana Fish Growing

Consistent, high-quality water is the bedrock of your arowana’s health and growth. Think of it as their lifeblood. Deviations can quickly lead to stress and illness.

Essential Water Quality Checks

Regular water testing is non-negotiable. Invest in a reliable liquid test kit (strips are often inaccurate) for:

  • Ammonia (NH3/NH4+): 0 ppm (parts per million)
  • Nitrite (NO2-): 0 ppm
  • Nitrate (NO3-): Below 20 ppm (ideally below 10 ppm)
  • pH: 6.5 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral is usually best, but stability is more important than an exact number)
  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)

Perform water tests at least once a week, especially when your arowana is growing rapidly or if you notice any behavioral changes. This proactive approach is a cornerstone of any good arowana fish growing care guide.

Water Changes: Your Most Powerful Tool

Partial water changes are the most effective way to remove accumulated nitrates and replenish essential minerals. For an arowana tank, aim for a 25-30% water change once or twice a week, depending on your bioload and nitrate levels. Always use a dechlorinator to treat tap water before adding it to the tank.

Consistency is key. Erratic water changes can stress your fish more than slightly elevated nitrates. Establish a routine and stick to it.

Common Challenges and Solutions in Arowana Fish Growing

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter some bumps along the road. Knowing how to identify and address common issues is crucial for successful arowana fish growing.

Preventing and Addressing Health Issues

Arowanas are generally hardy fish, but they can be susceptible to certain ailments if water quality is poor or diet is lacking.

  • Fin Rot: Often caused by poor water quality. Symptoms include frayed or disintegrating fins. Solution: Improve water quality immediately with large water changes, and consider a mild antibacterial treatment if severe.
  • Dropsy: A symptom of underlying organ failure, often due to poor diet or internal bacterial infection. The fish appears bloated with scales sticking out. Solution: Difficult to treat. Focus on prevention through excellent water quality and a balanced diet.
  • Cloudy Eye: Can be caused by injury, poor water quality, or bacterial infection. Solution: Improve water quality. If persistent, a mild antibacterial or antifungal treatment may be needed.
  • “Drop Eye”: A common condition, especially in silver arowanas, where one or both eyes point downwards. It’s often attributed to feeding floating foods or constantly looking down for food on a bare tank bottom. Solution: Some believe feeding sinking foods or placing a floating ball can help, but it’s often a permanent cosmetic issue rather than a health threat.

Jumpers: We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth reiterating. Arowanas are powerful and can jump surprisingly high. A secure, weighted lid is your best defense against finding your beautiful fish on the floor. This is one of the most vital arowana fish growing tips.

Aggression: Arowanas can be territorial, especially as they mature. If you plan on keeping tank mates, choose carefully. Large, robust, fast-moving fish that can hold their own (like large datnoids, stingrays, or other large catfish) are often suitable. Avoid smaller fish that could become a snack.

If you suspect a serious illness, isolate the fish if possible, confirm water parameters are perfect, and research appropriate treatments. Consulting with an experienced aquarist or an aquatic veterinarian is always a wise move.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Arowana Fish Growing Practices

As responsible aquarists, it’s important to consider the broader impact of our hobby. Practicing sustainable arowana fish growing benefits not just your fish, but the environment too.

  • Responsible Sourcing: Whenever possible, choose captive-bred arowanas from reputable breeders. This helps reduce pressure on wild populations, many of which are endangered. In some regions, wild-caught arowanas are illegal.
  • Energy Efficiency: Large tanks require significant energy. Opt for energy-efficient heaters, LED lighting, and consider insulating your tank to reduce heat loss.
  • Water Conservation: While frequent water changes are necessary, consider collecting the old aquarium water to use for watering non-edible plants. It’s rich in nutrients!
  • Waste Reduction: Choose durable, long-lasting equipment. Recycle packaging where possible.

By making conscious choices, you contribute to eco-friendly arowana fish growing and promote a healthier future for these magnificent creatures.

Benefits of Arowana Fish Growing: More Than Just a Pet

Why go through all this effort for an arowana? The benefits of arowana fish growing extend far beyond just having a fish in a tank.

  • Stunning Centerpiece: An adult arowana is an undeniable showstopper. Its graceful movements and iridescent scales create a living piece of art in your home or office.
  • Long-Term Companionship: With their long lifespan, arowanas truly become a part of your family. Many aquarists report their arowanas recognizing them and even interacting.
  • Educational Value: Observing the growth and behavior of an arowana provides a fantastic educational opportunity for children and adults alike, fostering an appreciation for aquatic life.
  • Sense of Accomplishment: Successfully raising a large, healthy arowana from a small fry is a huge achievement and a source of immense pride for any aquarist.

The bond you develop with these intelligent and majestic fish is truly unique.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arowana Fish Growing

How fast do Arowana fish grow?

Arowanas grow remarkably fast, especially in their first year or two. A juvenile can grow several inches per month under optimal conditions (large tank, excellent water quality, abundant high-protein food). Growth slows down as they approach their adult size, but they can reach over 2 feet in length within 2-3 years.

What’s the best food for Arowana growth?

A varied diet is best. High-quality pellets specifically formulated for arowanas, combined with frozen foods like market shrimp, krill, and fish fillets (tilapia), and occasional live insects (crickets, superworms) will provide all necessary nutrients for robust growth. Avoid feeding fatty foods or unquarantined feeder fish.

Can I keep an Arowana in a smaller tank temporarily?

While a very young fry can start in a smaller tank (e.g., 75 gallons), this is only for a short period. Arowanas grow rapidly, and prolonged confinement in an undersized tank will stunt their growth, cause stress, and lead to irreversible health problems. Plan for a significantly larger tank (250+ gallons) as their permanent home from the start.

How often should I clean an Arowana tank?

Due to their high bioload, arowana tanks require frequent maintenance. Aim for 25-30% partial water changes once or twice a week, depending on your tank size and filtration. Clean filter media regularly (but not all at once to preserve beneficial bacteria) and siphon the substrate or bare bottom during water changes.

Are Arowanas suitable for beginners?

Yes, with proper research and commitment, arowanas can be suitable for dedicated beginners. While they require a significant investment in tank size and filtration, their care routine is straightforward if you adhere to the principles of excellent water quality and a balanced diet. Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners who are willing to learn and provide the necessary resources for their magnificent growth!

Conclusion: Your Arowana Journey Awaits!

Embarking on the journey of arowana fish growing is an incredibly rewarding experience. These magnificent “dragon fish” truly add a touch of ancient grandeur to any aquarium. By focusing on the core principles outlined in this guide—providing an appropriately sized habitat, maintaining pristine water quality, offering a varied and nutritious diet, and being proactive about potential challenges—you’re well on your way to raising a stunning, healthy specimen.

Remember, patience and consistency are your greatest allies. The sight of your arowana gracefully navigating its spacious home, growing stronger and more vibrant each day, is a testament to your dedication. So, go forth, apply these expert arowana fish growing tips, and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of your thriving aquatic giant!

Howard Parker
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