Arowana Fish Is – Your Complete Guide To Majestic Care & Thriving

Written ByHoward Parker

Thinking about adding a magnificent Arowana to your aquarium? These stunning “dragon fish” are truly captivating, known for their iridescent scales and powerful presence. While the thought of caring for such a unique and impressive creature can feel a bit daunting, don’t worry! As an experienced aquarist, I’m here to tell you that with the right knowledge and a little preparation, keeping an Arowana can be an incredibly rewarding journey.

This comprehensive guide will demystify their care, providing you with all the essential insights you need. We’ll dive deep into everything from selecting the perfect species and setting up their ideal habitat to feeding, health, and even sustainable practices. By the end, you’ll have all the arowana fish is tips you need to ensure your new companion thrives, becoming the star of your home aquarium.

Understanding What Arowana Fish Is: Species and Temperament

Before you bring one home, it’s crucial to understand the different types of Arowana and their general temperament. Knowing this helps you choose the right species for your setup and ensures a harmonious environment. The term “arowana fish is” often conjures images of powerful, solitary predators, and largely, that’s true!

Popular Arowana Species for Home Aquariums

There are several species of Arowana, each with unique characteristics. While all are impressive, some are more commonly found in the aquarium trade.

  • Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum): This is perhaps the most common and accessible Arowana. They grow very large, up to 3 feet in length, and are known for their striking silver scales. They are generally peaceful but will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth.
  • Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus): Also known as Dragon Fish, these are highly prized and often very expensive due to their vibrant colors (red, gold, green) and cultural significance. They are protected under CITES, so ensure you purchase from reputable, legal breeders. They can also grow quite large, often exceeding 2 feet.
  • Jardini Arowana (Scleropages jardinii): Sometimes called the Australian Arowana, these fish have a more robust body and a slightly more aggressive temperament than Silver Arowanas. They feature beautiful spotted scales and reach similar sizes.
  • Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai): A stunning variant of the Silver Arowana, distinguished by its dark coloration as a juvenile, which fades to a silvery-grey with black fins as an adult. They share similar care requirements with Silver Arowanas.

Temperament and Tank Mates

Arowanas are apex predators. Their temperament is generally calm towards fish too large to be considered prey, but they are opportunistic hunters. This means careful consideration of tank mates is essential.

They are best kept alone or with other large, robust, and fast-swimming fish that won’t fit into their mouths. Think about species like large catfishes (e.g., Plecos, large Synodontis), Datnoids, large Cichlids (e.g., Oscar, Green Terror – with caution), or even other large Arowanas if the tank is exceptionally vast and introduced simultaneously.

Never house them with small, docile, or slow-moving fish. The arowana fish is a hunter, and anything that looks like food will likely become food.

Setting Up the Perfect Home: Arowana Fish Is All About Space!

The most critical factor in successful Arowana keeping is providing adequate space. These fish grow incredibly large, and a cramped environment leads to stress, stunted growth, and health issues. Knowing how to arowana fish is housed properly is foundational.

Tank Size and Dimensions

For a single adult Silver Arowana, a minimum tank size of 200-250 gallons (approx. 750-950 liters) is absolutely necessary. Even larger is always better. For Asian or Jardini Arowanas, a similar or even larger tank is recommended.

The tank’s footprint is more important than its height. A minimum length of 8 feet (240 cm) and a width of at least 2 feet (60 cm) is ideal. This allows the fish ample room to turn around and swim freely.

Essential Equipment for Your Arowana Aquarium

Setting up your tank correctly from the start is paramount for their well-being. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Powerful Filtration: Arowanas are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste. You’ll need multiple robust external canister filters, a sump system, or a combination. Aim for excellent mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.
  • Heater: Arowanas are tropical fish and require stable water temperatures. A reliable heater (or two for redundancy) capable of maintaining 75-82°F (24-28°C) is essential.
  • Lid: Arowanas are incredible jumpers! A heavy, tightly fitting lid is non-negotiable. Any gap is an escape route.
  • Substrate: A fine gravel or sand substrate is suitable. Arowanas spend most of their time in the upper water column, so substrate choice is less critical than for bottom dwellers.
  • Decorations: Provide some hiding spots or visual barriers using large, smooth rocks or driftwood. Ensure all decorations are securely placed and have no sharp edges. Avoid anything that could injure their delicate fins.
  • Lighting: Standard aquarium lighting is fine. Arowanas don’t have specific lighting requirements beyond what’s needed for viewing and any live plants (if you choose to have them).

Water Parameters: The Arowana Fish Is Habitat

Maintaining stable and pristine water conditions is non-negotiable for Arowanas. They are sensitive to poor water quality.

  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: Soft to medium (dH 5-15)
  • Ammonia, Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: Below 20 ppm (ideally below 10 ppm)

Regular water changes (25-30% weekly) are critical, even with excellent filtration, to keep nitrates low and replenish essential minerals. This is a core part of any arowana fish is care guide.

Feeding Your Majestic Dragon: What Arowana Fish Is Hungry For

Arowanas are carnivores and have hearty appetites. A varied diet is key to their health and vibrant coloration. Understanding their nutritional needs is a vital part of how to arowana fish is kept healthy.

Ideal Diet for Arowanas

Offer a diverse diet of high-quality protein sources. Young Arowanas should be fed more frequently (2-3 times a day), while adults can be fed once a day or every other day.

  • Pellets/Sticks: High-quality, specially formulated Arowana pellets or sticks should form the staple of their diet. These are nutritionally complete.
  • Live Foods (with caution): Feeder fish (guppies, minnows) can be offered sparingly, but always quarantine them first to prevent disease transmission. Earthworms, crickets, and mealworms are safer live options.
  • Frozen Foods: Krill, prawns, silversides, and mussels are excellent frozen options. Thaw thoroughly before feeding.
  • Meaty Foods: Small pieces of lean fish (tilapia, whitefish), shrimp, or occasionally beef heart (in moderation due to fat content) can be given.

Avoid feeding fatty meats or anything that could carry parasites. Always ensure food items are appropriately sized for your Arowana to prevent choking.

Feeding Tips for Optimal Health

Here are some arowana fish is tips for feeding:

  • Vary the Diet: Don’t stick to just one food. Rotation ensures they get all necessary nutrients.
  • Don’t Overfeed: Overfeeding leads to poor water quality and health issues. Feed only what they can consume in a few minutes.
  • Observe Appetite: A sudden loss of appetite can be a sign of stress or illness.
  • Training for Pellets: If your Arowana is used to live food, you might need to gradually transition them to pellets by offering pellets first, then a small amount of their preferred food.

Maintaining a Pristine Environment: Essential Arowana Fish Is Care Guide

Consistent maintenance is the backbone of a healthy Arowana aquarium. It’s not just about setting it up; it’s about keeping it perfect day after day. This is where arowana fish is best practices truly shine.

Regular Water Changes and Siphon Cleaning

As mentioned, weekly water changes are non-negotiable. Remove 25-30% of the tank water and replace it with dechlorinated, temperature-matched fresh water. While doing this, use an aquarium siphon to clean the substrate, removing any uneaten food and waste build-up.

Filter Maintenance

Clean your filter media regularly, but not all at once, to preserve beneficial bacteria. Rinse mechanical media (sponges, filter floss) in old tank water. Biological media (ceramic rings, bio-balls) should only be gently rinsed if they become clogged, again, in old tank water. Replace chemical media (activated carbon) as directed by the manufacturer, typically monthly.

Monitoring Water Parameters

Regularly test your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, especially during the initial cycling phase and if you notice any behavioral changes in your fish. A good quality liquid test kit is an indispensable tool for any serious aquarist.

Observation and Health Checks

Spend time observing your Arowana daily. Look for changes in:

  • Swimming pattern: Is it erratic, sluggish, or hiding more than usual?
  • Appearance: Are scales lifted, fins clamped, or are there any spots or lesions?
  • Breathing: Is it rapid or labored?
  • Appetite: Is it refusing food?

Early detection of issues is key to successful treatment. This proactive approach is a cornerstone of an effective arowana fish is care guide.

Common Challenges and Solutions: Troubleshooting Arowana Fish Is Problems

Even with the best care, you might encounter some common issues. Knowing how to identify and address them is crucial. These are typical common problems with arowana fish is that experienced keepers face.

Droop Eye (DE)

Droop eye is a common condition where one or both eyes appear to be looking downwards. While its exact cause is debated, it’s often attributed to looking down for food (e.g., bottom-dwelling feeder fish) or a high-fat diet. Some believe it’s genetic or related to tank size.

  • Solution: Ensure a varied, low-fat diet. Avoid bottom-dwelling feeder fish. Place a bright object (like a ping-pong ball) on the surface to encourage upward gaze. Some aquarists raise the water level to make the fish swim deeper.

Fin Rot and Other Bacterial Infections

These are usually caused by poor water quality, stress, or injury. Fins may appear frayed, ragged, or have white edges. Bacterial infections can manifest as red streaks, ulcers, or cloudy eyes.

  • Solution: Immediately improve water quality with large, frequent water changes. Use an appropriate antibacterial medication as directed by a vet or experienced fish store. Ensure optimal tank conditions to prevent recurrence.

Popeye (Exophthalmia)

One or both eyes protrude from the head. This can be caused by bacterial infection, internal parasites, or poor water quality.

  • Solution: Address water quality first. If no improvement, treat with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Consult a vet for severe cases or if parasites are suspected.

Ich (White Spot Disease)

A parasitic infection appearing as small white spots resembling salt grains on the body and fins. It’s often triggered by stress or sudden temperature changes.

  • Solution: Gradually raise tank temperature to 82-86°F (28-30°C) over 24 hours (ensure good aeration). Use an Ich treatment medication. Continue treatment for at least 7-10 days, even if spots disappear, to kill all life stages of the parasite.

The Benefits of Arowana Fish Is: More Than Just a Pet

Beyond their stunning appearance, Arowanas offer unique benefits to their keepers. For many, the benefits of arowana fish is extend far beyond typical pet ownership.

A Symbol of Prosperity and Good Luck

In many Asian cultures, Arowanas (especially Asian Arowanas) are revered as symbols of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. They are believed to bring luck to their owners, protect the household, and even reflect the owner’s status. This cultural significance adds a deep layer of meaning to their keeping.

A Majestic and Engaging Display

An Arowana aquarium is a living piece of art. Their graceful swimming, predatory prowess, and iridescent scales make them an incredibly engaging and dynamic display. They command attention and become the undeniable focal point of any room.

A Rewarding Challenge for Experienced Aquarists

While beginners can certainly succeed with careful preparation, Arowanas truly offer a rewarding challenge for those looking to expand their aquarist skills. Successfully maintaining such a large, sensitive, and long-lived fish is a testament to dedication and expertise.

Sustainable Arowana Fish Is Keeping: An Eco-Conscious Approach

Given the conservation status of some Arowana species, particularly Asian Arowanas, responsible ownership is paramount. Embracing sustainable arowana fish is practices is crucial for the future of these magnificent creatures.

Choosing Responsibly Sourced Fish

Always purchase Arowanas from reputable dealers who can provide proof of legal sourcing. For Asian Arowanas, this means CITES documentation and usually a microchip for identification. Avoid supporting any illegal trade, as this severely impacts wild populations.

Long-Term Commitment

Arowanas are long-lived fish, often living 10-20 years or more with proper care. This requires a significant, long-term commitment. Ensure you are prepared for the dedication and resources needed for their entire lifespan.

Minimizing Environmental Impact

Your aquarium practices can have an environmental footprint. Consider:

  • Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient heaters and pumps where possible.
  • Water Conservation: Be mindful of water usage during changes.
  • Responsible Disposal: Never release unwanted aquarium fish into local waterways. Find a new home for them through responsible rehoming programs or local fish clubs.

By making conscious choices, you contribute to eco-friendly arowana fish is keeping, ensuring these fish can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arowana Fish Is

Here are some common questions prospective Arowana owners often ask:

How long does an Arowana fish live?

With proper care, Arowanas can live for 10 to 20 years, and sometimes even longer, depending on the species and environmental conditions. This makes them a long-term commitment.

Can I keep an Arowana in a 75-gallon tank?

No, a 75-gallon tank is far too small for any adult Arowana species. Even as juveniles, they quickly outgrow such a tank. A minimum of 200-250 gallons is recommended for an adult, with larger being ideal.

What is the best food for Arowana fish?

The best food is a varied diet consisting of high-quality Arowana pellets or sticks, supplemented with frozen foods like krill, prawns, and silversides, and occasional live foods such as earthworms or crickets. Variety is key for complete nutrition.

Are Arowana fish aggressive?

Arowanas are predatory and territorial, especially towards smaller fish they perceive as food. They can be aggressive towards conspecifics (other Arowanas) in smaller tanks. They are generally peaceful towards very large tank mates that cannot fit into their mouths.

How often should I clean my Arowana tank?

You should perform a 25-30% water change weekly, along with siphoning the substrate. Filter maintenance (rinsing mechanical media, light rinsing of biological media) should be done every 2-4 weeks, depending on the filter type and tank bioload.

Conclusion: Embrace the Arowana Journey!

Caring for an Arowana is an unparalleled experience in the world of aquariums. These magnificent fish, often called “living fossils,” bring a unique blend of ancient majesty and vibrant personality to your home. While they demand significant space and diligent care, the rewards of keeping such a powerful and graceful creature are immense.

Remember, the journey of arowana fish is keeping is one of continuous learning and observation. By committing to the best practices outlined in this guide – from providing a spacious, pristine habitat to offering a diverse diet and understanding their unique needs – you’re setting yourself up for success. Don’t be intimidated by their size or reputation; approach it with knowledge and dedication, and you’ll find an incredibly rewarding companionship.

Go forth, prepare your tank with care, and embrace the incredible adventure of keeping an Arowana. Your majestic dragon awaits!

Howard Parker
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