Arowana Fish Monster – Your Ultimate Guide To Thriving Aquatic Giants

Written ByHoward Parker

Ever gazed into an aquarium, captivated by a fish so grand, so ancient, it felt like looking back in time? Perhaps you’ve been drawn to the majestic arowana, often dubbed the “arowana fish monster” due to its impressive size and predatory grace. It’s easy to feel a mix of awe and intimidation when considering these aquatic giants for your home. You might wonder if you have what it takes to provide a proper home for such a magnificent creature.

Don’t worry! You’re not alone in these thoughts. Many aspiring aquarists are captivated by the arowana’s allure but feel overwhelmed by its reputation. But here’s the good news: with the right knowledge and preparation, successfully keeping an arowana is not only achievable but incredibly rewarding. This comprehensive guide will demystify their care, showing you exactly how to transform your fascination into a thriving reality.

We promise to walk you through every essential step, from choosing the perfect tank and setting up a pristine environment to mastering their diet, understanding their unique behaviors, and addressing common challenges. By the end, you’ll have all the arowana fish monster tips you need to become a confident and successful keeper. Get ready to unlock the secrets to raising your very own majestic aquatic monster!

Understanding the Arowana Fish Monster: More Than Just Size

When people refer to an “arowana fish monster,” they’re often thinking of its imposing size and prehistoric appearance. These fish are truly living fossils, having changed little over millions of years. Their sleek, powerful bodies and large scales make them unmistakable.

But there’s more to an arowana than just its intimidating presence. Each species boasts unique characteristics, from the silvery sheen of the South American variety to the vibrant colors of the Asian arowanas.

What Makes an Arowana a ‘Monster’?

The term “monster” often refers to their potential for growth. Many arowana species can easily reach lengths of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in home aquariums, and even larger in the wild. This significant size, combined with their predatory nature, certainly earns them the moniker.

They are apex predators in their natural habitats, known for their incredible jumping ability to catch insects and small animals from overhanging branches. This instinct remains strong even in captivity.

Popular Arowana Species for Home Aquariums

While many species exist, a few are commonly available and suitable for dedicated enthusiasts.

  • Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum): This is perhaps the most common and affordable species. Known for its shimmering silver scales and graceful movements, it can grow up to 3 feet long.
  • Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus): Highly prized and often regulated due to conservation status (CITES Appendix I), these come in stunning varieties like Red, Gold, and Green. They are considered status symbols in many cultures and require significant investment and care.
  • Australian Arowana (Scleropages jardinii and leichardti): Also known as Jardini or Saratoga, these have a unique spotted pattern and a more robust build. They are generally hardier than Asian arowanas but still require large tanks.

Understanding which species you’re interested in is the first step in planning your aquarium setup and long-term care strategy.

Setting Up for Success: Your Arowana’s Grand Palace

The single most important aspect of keeping an arowana is providing an adequately sized and properly equipped aquarium. Think of it as building a grand palace for your aquatic monarch.

Skimping on tank size or filtration will lead to stress, health issues, and a significantly diminished experience for both you and your fish. This section is your essential arowana fish monster guide to creating the perfect home.

The Right Tank Size: Going Big

This is where many beginners underestimate the commitment. An arowana grows fast and needs space to swim and turn comfortably.

  • Minimum for Juveniles: While a young arowana might start in a 55-gallon tank, this is temporary and only suitable for a few months.
  • Adult Silver Arowana: A tank of at least 250-300 gallons (950-1135 liters) is recommended. Even larger is always better. The tank should be at least 8 feet long, 2.5 feet wide, and 2.5 feet tall.
  • Adult Asian/Australian Arowana: Similar or even larger dimensions are often preferred, especially for the larger varieties.

Remember, a wider tank is often more beneficial than a taller one, providing more swimming space. A sturdy stand capable of holding thousands of pounds is non-negotiable.

Filtration Systems: Keeping it Crystal Clear

Arowanas are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste. You need robust filtration to maintain pristine water quality.

  • Over-filtration is Key: Aim for filtration capacity that is 2-3 times what would normally be recommended for a tank of its size.
  • Types of Filters: A combination of external canister filters, sumps, and possibly even a fluidized bed filter is ideal. A sump system is highly recommended for large tanks as it offers superior mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.
  • Water Flow: Arowanas appreciate moderate to strong water flow, mimicking their natural riverine habitats. Ensure your filter outlets provide this without creating overly turbulent spots.

Regular maintenance of your filtration system is just as important as having powerful equipment.

Aquascaping for the Arowana

When designing your arowana’s environment, prioritize function and safety over elaborate aesthetics.

  • Open Swimming Space: Leave plenty of unobstructed room for your arowana to swim freely.
  • Secure Lid: Arowanas are incredible jumpers. A heavy, tightly fitting lid with no gaps is an absolute must to prevent escapes. Consider securing it with clamps.
  • Smooth Decor: Any decorations, such as driftwood or large, smooth rocks, should be placed securely and have no sharp edges that could injure your fish.
  • Substrate: A fine, soft sand substrate is often preferred, but a bare bottom tank is also acceptable and easier to clean. Avoid gravel that could be ingested.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is usually sufficient. Arowanas can be shy under very bright lights.

Always ensure your setup is geared towards the safety and comfort of your large fish.

Water Parameters: The Foundation of Arowana Fish Monster Care Guide

Maintaining stable and appropriate water parameters is crucial for your arowana’s health.

  • Temperature: Keep the water stable between 75-82°F (24-28°C). Use reliable heaters with protective covers.
  • pH: A pH range of 6.0-7.5 is generally suitable for most arowanas, with South American species preferring slightly more acidic water (6.0-7.0) and Asian arowanas tolerating a slightly wider range (6.5-7.5). Consistency is more important than hitting an exact number.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (dH 5-15) is typically preferred.
  • Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite must always be zero. Nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm through regular water changes.

Invest in a good quality liquid test kit and test your water regularly, especially during the cycling phase and weekly thereafter.

Feeding Your Aquatic Predator: Arowana Fish Monster Diet Best Practices

Arowanas are carnivores with a hearty appetite. Providing a varied, nutritious diet is vital for their growth, color, and overall health. This is a core part of how to arowana fish monster successfully.

What to Feed Your Arowana

Variety is the spice of life, even for an arowana. A diverse diet prevents nutritional deficiencies and keeps your fish engaged.

  • Live Foods (with caution): Crickets, grasshoppers, large earthworms, and feeder fish (like guppies, mollies – ensure they are quarantined and healthy to avoid introducing disease). Live foods should be given sparingly due to the risk of parasites and disease.
  • Frozen Foods: Krill, silversides, shrimp, mussels, and various fish fillets (e.g., tilapia, salmon – cut into bite-sized pieces). Thaw completely before feeding.
  • High-Quality Pellets/Sticks: Many reputable brands offer specially formulated arowana pellets or sticks. These can be a staple, but should not be the sole food source. Look for formulas with high protein content.
  • Insects: Mealworms and superworms can be offered as treats but are high in fat, so feed in moderation.

Always ensure food items are appropriately sized for your arowana to prevent choking or digestive issues.

Feeding Frequency and Portion Control

The feeding schedule changes as your arowana grows.

  • Juveniles (up to 10 inches): Feed 2-3 times a day, small portions that can be consumed within a few minutes.
  • Sub-Adults (10-20 inches): Feed once or twice a day.
  • Adults (over 20 inches): Feed once a day or every other day.

Observe your fish; a slightly rounded belly after feeding is good, but a bloated appearance means you’re overfeeding. Overfeeding leads to poor water quality and potential health problems.

Avoiding Common Feeding Mistakes

Even experienced aquarists can make errors when it comes to feeding.

  • Exclusive Live Feeder Fish Diet: This is a common mistake. Feeder fish often lack essential nutrients and can introduce diseases. Use them very sparingly, if at all, and only from trusted, quarantined sources.
  • Lack of Variety: Feeding the same food every day leads to nutritional deficiencies. Rotate between different types of frozen foods and high-quality pellets.
  • Overfeeding: This is detrimental to both water quality and your fish’s health, leading to obesity and organ damage.
  • Unthawed or Spoiled Food: Always thaw frozen foods completely and never feed anything that smells off.

Proper nutrition is one of the biggest benefits of arowana fish monster keeping, as it ensures a vibrant, healthy, and long-lived specimen.

Mastering Arowana Fish Monster Care: Water Quality & Health Monitoring

Maintaining impeccable water quality is the cornerstone of successful arowana keeping. These fish are sensitive to fluctuations and poor conditions. Diligent monitoring and routine maintenance are your best defenses against illness.

This section outlines essential arowana fish monster best practices for keeping your aquatic giant healthy and happy.

Regular Water Changes: Non-Negotiable

Water changes are the most effective way to keep nitrates low, replenish essential minerals, and remove accumulated organic waste.

  • Frequency: For an established arowana tank, aim for 25-30% water changes weekly. Larger tanks might allow for slightly less frequent changes, but consistency is key.
  • Temperature Matching: Always ensure the fresh water is conditioned and temperature-matched to the tank water to avoid shocking your fish.
  • Gravel Vacuuming: Even with a bare bottom, siphon out any uneaten food or debris from the tank floor during water changes. If you have a substrate, vacuum it thoroughly.

Never skip water changes. They are far more effective than any chemical additive for maintaining water purity.

Recognizing Signs of Stress and Illness

Early detection is crucial for treating any health issues. Observe your arowana daily.

  • Behavioral Changes: Hiding excessively, lethargy, rapid gill movement, erratic swimming, rubbing against decor, loss of appetite.
  • Physical Symptoms: Cloudy eyes, fin rot (frayed or decaying fins), white spots (ich), red streaks on fins or body, dropsy (swollen body with scales protruding), gill curl, droopy eye.
  • Color Changes: Fading colors can indicate stress or illness.

If you notice any of these signs, first check your water parameters. Poor water quality is often the root cause of many fish ailments.

Preventing Common Problems with Arowana Fish Monster

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some proactive steps:

  • Quarantine New Fish: Any new fish, especially potential tank mates, should be quarantined in a separate tank for at least 2-4 weeks. This prevents the introduction of diseases to your main display tank.
  • Stable Environment: Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH, or other water parameters. Consistency is paramount.
  • Nutritious Diet: A well-fed fish with a strong immune system is less susceptible to disease.
  • Tank Hygiene: Keep the tank clean, remove uneaten food promptly, and regularly maintain your filtration system.
  • Reduce Stress: Provide plenty of swimming space, appropriate hiding spots (if desired by your species), and avoid aggressive tank mates.

By following these guidelines, you’ll significantly reduce the likelihood of facing common problems with arowana fish monster health.

Behavior & Compatibility: Living with Your Arowana Fish Monster

Understanding your arowana’s temperament is key to a harmonious aquarium. These are powerful, predatory fish, and their social dynamics are unique.

Arowana Temperament: Lone Wolves or Community Fish?

Generally, arowanas are best kept as solitary specimens. They can be territorial and aggressive, especially towards other arowanas or fish that resemble them.

However, some aquarists successfully keep multiple arowanas in extremely large tanks (500+ gallons) using a “schooling” effect to diffuse aggression, but this is an advanced technique and not recommended for beginners.

Tank Mates: Choosing Wisely

If you choose to add tank mates, extreme caution is advised. Select fish that are:

  • Too Large to Eat: Anything small enough to fit in your arowana’s mouth is fair game.
  • Peaceful but Robust: They should not harass the arowana, but also be able to hold their own.
  • Swim in Different Water Columns: Bottom dwellers or very fast, mid-water swimmers are often good choices.
  • Examples: Large plecos (like common or sailfin), stingrays (if you have the expertise and tank size), large datnoids, oscars (with caution, as they can be aggressive), large pacu (again, with extreme tank size considerations), or even large, peaceful cichlids.

Always introduce tank mates carefully and observe interactions closely. Be prepared to separate fish if aggression becomes an issue.

Enrichment for Your Arowana

While arowanas don’t typically play with toys, environmental enrichment is important.

  • Space: The primary form of enrichment is ample swimming space.
  • Flow: Strong, consistent water flow provides exercise and mimics their natural environment.
  • Varied Diet: As mentioned, a diverse diet keeps them stimulated and healthy.
  • Observational Stimulation: Your presence and interaction (without tapping on the glass) can also provide a form of stimulation for intelligent fish like arowanas.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Arowana Fish Monster Ownership

As responsible aquarists, it’s important to consider the origins of our fish and our impact on the environment. This is especially true for the arowana fish monster, some species of which face conservation challenges.

Responsible Sourcing: Where to Get Your Arowana

Your choice of supplier matters significantly for both the health of your fish and the planet.

  • Reputable Breeders: For Asian Arowanas, always seek out CITES-registered breeders. These fish will come with a microchip and certification, proving they are captive-bred and legally traded. This supports sustainable practices and conservation efforts.
  • Local Fish Stores: For Silver Arowanas, choose stores that maintain clean tanks, have healthy-looking fish, and can provide information on the fish’s origin. Avoid stores with overcrowded or diseased tanks.
  • Avoid Wild-Caught (especially for endangered species): While some silver arowanas are wild-caught, actively seek out captive-bred options where possible to reduce pressure on wild populations. For Asian Arowanas, purchasing illegally wild-caught specimens is not only unethical but also illegal.

Prioritizing captive-bred fish helps ensure the longevity of the species in the wild and promotes ethical trade practices. This is a crucial aspect of sustainable arowana fish monster keeping.

Conservation Efforts and the Hobbyist’s Role

Your actions as an arowana keeper can contribute to broader conservation goals.

  • Support CITES: By only purchasing legally traded, certified Asian Arowanas, you support the framework that protects endangered species.
  • Educate Others: Share your knowledge about responsible arowana keeping and the importance of sustainable sourcing.
  • Never Release: Under no circumstances should you ever release an unwanted arowana into local waterways. This can introduce diseases, disrupt local ecosystems, and is often illegal. If you can no longer care for your fish, seek out reputable rehoming options like local fish clubs or specialized rescue organizations.

Being an eco-friendly arowana fish monster owner means making informed choices that benefit both your pet and the natural world.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Arowana Fish Monster

Even with the best care, sometimes issues arise. Knowing how to identify and address common problems can save your arowana’s life. This section covers typical challenges you might encounter.

Fin Nipping and Aggression

Arowanas are powerful fish, and aggression can manifest in various ways.

  • Causes: Overcrowding, insufficient space, incompatible tank mates, or territorial disputes. Sometimes, arowanas will nip at their own fins due to stress.
  • Solutions: Ensure your tank is large enough. Re-evaluate tank mate compatibility, removing any fish that are being harassed or are harassing the arowana. If the arowana is self-mutilating, address underlying stress factors like water quality or diet.

Droopy Eye

This is a common, though mostly cosmetic, issue where one or both eyes appear to droop downwards.

  • Causes: Often attributed to feeding a diet too rich in bottom-dwelling foods (like feeder fish or prawns that sink), encouraging the arowana to constantly look down. It can also be caused by genetics or lack of overhead visual stimulation.
  • Prevention/Remedies: Feed a more surface-oriented diet. Consider adding a floating ball or object to the tank to encourage upward gazing. Some aquarists have tried methods like placing a ping-pong ball in the tank or even minor surgery, but prevention is always best.

Gill Curl

The gill covers curl outwards, exposing the delicate gills.

  • Causes: Primarily poor water quality, especially high nitrates or insufficient oxygen. Rapid growth in a confined space can also contribute.
  • Prevention/Remedies: Maintain excellent water quality with regular, large water changes. Ensure powerful filtration and good aeration. If caught early, sometimes increased water changes and improved conditions can help reverse it. In severe cases, surgical trimming by an experienced vet may be an option.

Lethargy and Loss of Appetite

These are general symptoms that can indicate a wide range of problems.

  • Causes: Poor water quality (most common), internal parasites, bacterial infections, stress, incorrect water temperature, or simply an old fish.
  • When to Worry: If it persists for more than a day or two, or is accompanied by other physical symptoms.
  • What to Check: Immediately test all water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature). Perform a large water change. Observe for any other symptoms. If no improvement, consider treating for internal parasites or bacterial infections with appropriate medications in a hospital tank.

Always have a well-stocked fish first-aid kit and a hospital tank ready for emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Arowana Fish Monster

Here are some common questions prospective and current arowana owners often ask.

How big do arowanas get?

Most commonly kept species, like the Silver Arowana, can reach lengths of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in home aquariums. Some Asian Arowana species can grow even larger, occasionally exceeding 3.5 feet (100 cm).

Are arowanas really hard to care for?

While they require a significant commitment in terms of tank size, filtration, and diet, they are not inherently “hard” to care for if you are prepared. The key is understanding their specific needs and providing a stable, large, and clean environment from the start. They are not a beginner fish in the sense of a guppy, but for an enthusiastic beginner willing to learn and invest, they are manageable.

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

A 75-gallon tank is only suitable for a very young, juvenile arowana for a very limited time. Within a few months, it will quickly outgrow this size. For an adult arowana, you will need a tank of at least 250-300 gallons, and ideally even larger (8 feet long or more).

What’s the lifespan of an arowana?

With proper care, arowanas can live for a very long time. Silver Arowanas typically live 10-15 years, while Asian Arowanas can often live 15-20 years, and some have been reported to live even longer.

Is it ethical to keep an arowana?

Keeping arowanas can be ethical if done responsibly. This means providing an adequately sized tank and proper care for its entire lifespan, sourcing your fish from reputable, sustainable breeders (especially for CITES-protected species like Asian Arowanas), and never releasing unwanted fish into the wild. Responsible ownership contributes to the species’ survival through regulated breeding programs.

Conclusion

Bringing an arowana fish monster into your home is a truly unique and rewarding experience. They are magnificent creatures that demand respect, commitment, and a deep understanding of their needs. From the initial setup of their colossal tank to the daily rituals of feeding and water quality maintenance, every step is a testament to your dedication.

Remember, the journey of keeping these aquatic giants is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience, consistent observation, and a proactive approach to care are your most valuable tools. By following the arowana fish monster best practices outlined in this guide, you’re not just keeping a pet; you’re nurturing a piece of living history, a truly majestic presence in your home.

Don’t be daunted by their size or reputation. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the learning process, and revel in the incredible beauty and intelligence of your arowana. With proper care and dedication, you’ll provide a thriving home for your aquatic monarch for many years to come. Go forth and enjoy the majestic presence of your very own arowana fish monster!

Howard Parker
Latest posts by Howard Parker (see all)