Arowana Fish Requirements – Your Ultimate Guide To Thriving Success

Written ByHoward Parker

Ever gazed upon the majestic arowana, often called the “dragon fish,” and dreamt of having one grace your home aquarium? You’re not alone! These ancient, powerful fish are truly captivating, with their iridescent scales and flowing movements. However, their beauty comes with a responsibility: ensuring they have the perfect environment to thrive.

Perhaps you’ve heard stories about their challenging care, or maybe you’re just starting your research into these magnificent creatures. Don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place! We understand the desire to provide the absolute best for your aquatic companions, and we know that navigating the specific needs of a fish as unique as the arowana can feel a little daunting at first.

Here at Aquifarm, we’re dedicated to helping enthusiasts like you maintain beautiful, healthy aquariums. This comprehensive guide will demystify the arowana fish requirements, turning potential challenges into achievable goals. We promise to equip you with all the expert insights and practical advice you need to create a truly spectacular home for your dragon fish. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap to successful arowana keeping, covering everything from tank setup to diet, water quality, and common pitfalls. Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to a thriving arowana!

Understanding Arowana Species: A Quick Overview

Before we delve into the specific arowana fish requirements, it’s helpful to know that “arowana” isn’t just one fish. There are several species, each with slight variations, though their core needs remain largely similar. The most common in the aquarium trade are the Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus) and the Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum).

Asian Arowanas are prized for their vibrant colors and cultural significance, often commanding high prices. Silver Arowanas, native to the Amazon, are more readily available and grow to impressive sizes. Regardless of the species you choose, remember that these are truly magnificent creatures that deserve meticulous care.

The Lifespan and Size of Arowanas

One of the most crucial considerations when planning for arowana ownership is their potential size and lifespan. Arowanas are long-lived fish, often living for 10-20 years, and sometimes even longer with optimal care. They also grow incredibly large.

  • Silver Arowana: Can reach up to 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) in length in captivity.
  • Asian Arowana: Typically grow to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).

This immense size directly impacts the primary arowana fish requirements, especially regarding tank dimensions. Thinking long-term from the very beginning is vital for their well-being.

Arowana Fish Requirements: The Foundation of a Thriving Habitat

Setting up the right environment is paramount for your arowana. Think of it as building their forever home. Getting these foundational elements right will prevent countless problems down the line and ensure your fish lives a long, healthy life. This section serves as your essential arowana fish requirements guide.

Tank Size: Go Big or Go Home (Literally!)

This is perhaps the single most important factor. Due to their rapid growth and ultimate size, arowanas need enormous tanks. Seriously, don’t underestimate this!

  • Minimum for a Juvenile Silver Arowana (up to 12 inches): A 75-gallon tank might suffice for a short period, but be prepared to upgrade very quickly.
  • Minimum for an Adult Silver Arowana: A tank of at least 250-300 gallons (approx. 8-10 feet long, 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet tall) is genuinely needed. Larger is always better.
  • Minimum for an Adult Asian Arowana: While slightly smaller, they still require a minimum of 180-200 gallons (6-8 feet long).

Remember, width is just as important as length. Arowanas need space to turn comfortably without constantly brushing against the glass. A wider tank also provides more surface area for gas exchange, which benefits water quality.

Filtration: Keeping Water Pristine

Arowanas are messy eaters and produce a significant bioload. Robust filtration is non-negotiable to maintain excellent water quality. Your filtration system should provide:

  • 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 cornerstone of any healthy aquarium.
  • Chemical Filtration: Such as activated carbon, to remove odors, discolorations, and some toxins.

Many experienced arowana keepers opt for a large sump system, which provides ample space for filter media and increases the overall water volume of the system. Canister filters can also work, but you’ll likely need multiple large units for adequate filtration. Over-filter your tank; it’s always better to have too much filtration capacity than too little.

Water Parameters: The Invisible Essentials

Maintaining stable and appropriate water parameters is crucial for preventing stress and disease. Here are the ideal arowana fish requirements tips for water quality:

  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C). A stable temperature is key; avoid sudden fluctuations.
  • pH: Generally, a slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred, around 6.5-7.5. Asian Arowanas often prefer slightly lower pH (6.0-7.0), while Silver Arowanas are more adaptable.
  • Hardness: Soft to medium hard water (dH 2-10).
  • Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm. These are highly toxic.
  • Nitrate: Below 20 ppm. Regular water changes are essential to keep nitrates in check.

Invest in reliable test kits and monitor your water parameters regularly, especially during the initial cycling phase and after adding new fish. Consistency is more important than hitting exact numbers, as long as they are within the acceptable range.

Substrate and Decor: Safety First

Arowanas are powerful, agile swimmers and can be easily startled. Their tank setup needs to prioritize safety and open swimming space.

  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth, rounded gravel is best. Avoid sharp or abrasive substrates that could injure their delicate undersides or fins if they dive to the bottom.
  • Decor: Keep it minimal. Large, smooth rocks or driftwood pieces can be used, but ensure they are securely placed and don’t have sharp edges. Leave plenty of open swimming space in the middle and upper parts of the tank.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is usually sufficient. Avoid harsh, direct light that might stress them.
  • Tank Cover: This is non-negotiable! Arowanas are notorious jumpers. A heavy, secure, and tightly fitting lid is an absolute must to prevent your fish from leaping out of the tank. Trust me, it happens more often than you’d think.

Diet and Nutrition: Fueling Your Arowana’s Growth

Arowanas are carnivorous predators with hearty appetites. Providing a varied, high-quality diet is crucial for their vibrant colors, strong growth, and overall health. This is a key part of how to arowana fish requirements for long-term success.

What to Feed Your Arowana

Variety is the spice of life for arowanas. Don’t rely on just one type of food. Here’s a breakdown of suitable options:

  • High-Quality Pellets/Sticks: Specially formulated arowana pellets or large carnivore sticks should form the base of their diet. Look for brands with high protein content.
  • Frozen Foods: Offer a variety of frozen options like shrimp (brine shrimp for juveniles, larger shrimp for adults), krill, silversides, mussels, and bloodworms. Thaw thoroughly before feeding.
  • Live Foods (Treats Only): While arowanas love live food, exercise caution. Crickets, mealworms, and superworms can be offered as occasional treats. Avoid feeder fish (like goldfish or guppies) as they often carry diseases and parasites that can harm your arowana. If you absolutely must feed live fish, quarantine and gut-load them thoroughly first.

Feeding Frequency and Portions

Juvenile arowanas benefit from more frequent feedings to support their rapid growth, while adults can be fed less often.

  • Juveniles: 2-3 times a day, small portions they can consume within a few minutes.
  • Adults: Once a day, or even every other day, with larger portions.

Observe your fish. If they’re leaving food uneaten, reduce the portion size. Overfeeding not only wastes food but also pollutes the water, stressing your filtration system and potentially leading to health issues.

Water Quality & Filtration: The Invisible Essentials

We touched on water parameters earlier, but let’s emphasize the ongoing effort required to maintain pristine water. This section covers vital arowana fish requirements care guide practices.

Regular Water Changes: Your Best Defense

Even with excellent filtration, nitrates will accumulate. Regular partial water changes are the most effective way to dilute nitrates and replenish essential minerals. This is one of the most important arowana fish requirements best practices.

  • Frequency: Aim for 25-30% water change weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your tank size, filtration, and bioload. Larger tanks with robust filtration might get away with less frequent changes, but consistency is key.
  • Temperature Matching: Always ensure the new water is conditioned and temperature-matched to the tank water to prevent shock.
  • Dechlorinator: Use a high-quality water conditioner that neutralizes chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals in tap water.

Filter Maintenance: Don’t Forget!

Your filters need attention too! Rinse mechanical filter media (sponges, filter floss) regularly in old tank water (never tap water, as it kills beneficial bacteria) to prevent clogs and maintain flow. Biological media should only be cleaned if absolutely necessary and very gently, again, in old tank water. Replace chemical media (like activated carbon) monthly.

Tank Mates & Behavior: Choosing Wisely

Arowanas are predators, and while they can sometimes be housed with other fish, careful consideration is needed. This touches upon how to arowana fish requirements interact with other species.

Are Arowanas Solitary?

Generally, yes. Arowanas are often best kept as single specimens. They can be territorial, especially as they mature. Housing multiple arowanas together typically requires an even larger tank and can lead to aggression, especially among Asian Arowanas.

Compatible Tank Mates (Use Extreme Caution!)

If you wish to house an arowana with tank mates, choose very carefully. The general rule is: if it fits in their mouth, they’ll try to eat it. Ideal tank mates should be:

  • Large: Too big to be swallowed.
  • Peaceful: Not aggressive towards the arowana.
  • Robust: Able to handle the arowana’s powerful swimming.
  • Bottom/Mid Dwellers: Occupying a different water column to avoid direct competition.

Some potential (but still risky) tank mates include:

  • Large Plecos (e.g., Common Pleco, Sailfin Pleco)
  • Datnoids
  • Large Catfish (e.g., Pangasius Catfish, Redtail Catfish – *note: these also get massive*)
  • Stingrays (require specialized care and an even larger tank)
  • Parrot Cichlids (can sometimes work if large enough)

Always introduce tank mates when the arowana is relatively small, and be prepared to separate fish if aggression becomes an issue. Observe interactions closely!

Common Problems & Solutions: Keeping Your Arowana Healthy

Even with the best care, problems can arise. Knowing how to identify and address them is part of being a responsible aquarist. This section covers common problems with arowana fish requirements and how to tackle them.

1. Droop Eye (Ptosis)

This is a common condition in arowanas, especially Silver Arowanas, where one or both eyes begin to point downwards. While not usually life-threatening, it detracts from their appearance.

  • Causes: Often attributed to looking down at food (especially sinking pellets or feeder fish at the bottom), or lack of overhead stimulation. Some believe genetics or diet play a role.
  • Prevention/Solution:
    • Feed floating foods.
    • Keep the tank lid slightly open (if safe) to encourage them to look up.
    • Place a floating ball or object at the surface to encourage upward gazing.
    • Some advanced keepers use surgical methods, but this is highly specialized.

2. Fin Rot

Bacterial infection causing fins to appear ragged, frayed, or discolored.

  • Causes: Poor water quality (high nitrates, ammonia), stress, injury.
  • Solution: Improve water quality immediately with a large water change. Use an appropriate antibacterial medication if necessary, but focus on environmental improvement first.

3. White Spot (Ich)

Parasitic infection causing small white spots resembling salt grains on the body and fins.

  • Causes: Stress, sudden temperature changes, introduction of infected fish.
  • Solution: Increase tank temperature slowly (if safe for other inhabitants), add aquarium salt, and use an anti-ich medication as directed.

4. Stress & Lack of Appetite

An arowana hiding, refusing food, or showing faded colors is often stressed.

  • Causes: Poor water quality, sudden changes in environment, aggressive tank mates, inadequate tank size, loud noises, sudden movements near the tank.
  • Solution: Check water parameters, ensure stable conditions, reduce external stressors, provide ample hiding spots (if appropriate), and ensure tank mates are compatible.

Advanced Care & Best Practices: Elevating Your Arowana Keeping

Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are always ways to refine your approach and provide an even better environment. These are some arowana fish requirements best practices for truly dedicated enthusiasts.

  • Quarantine New Fish: Always quarantine any new fish (even feeder fish, if you choose to use them) in a separate tank for 2-4 weeks before introducing them to your main arowana tank. This prevents the spread of diseases.
  • Regular Observation: Spend time observing your arowana daily. Look for changes in behavior, appetite, coloration, or any physical abnormalities. Early detection of problems is key to successful treatment.
  • Enrichment: While minimal decor is recommended, you can still provide enrichment. Occasionally rearrange safe decor, introduce a new floating toy (if your arowana shows interest), or vary feeding times.
  • Power Outage Preparedness: Have a battery-operated air pump and a plan for keeping your tank warm during power outages, especially if you live in an area prone to them.

Sustainable Arowana Keeping: An Eco-Conscious Approach

As responsible aquarists, we should always consider the broader impact of our hobby. This includes thinking about sustainable arowana fish requirements and adopting an eco-friendly arowana fish requirements mindset.

  • Source Responsibly: Whenever possible, purchase captive-bred arowanas from reputable breeders or suppliers. Many wild arowana populations are endangered due to overcollection and habitat destruction.
  • Avoid Wild-Caught: Especially for Asian Arowanas, which are CITES-listed and protected. Ensure any Asian Arowana you purchase comes with proper documentation (microchip, certificate of authenticity).
  • Never Release: Under no circumstances should you ever release an unwanted arowana into local waterways. This can introduce invasive species, diseases, and severely disrupt native ecosystems. If you can no longer care for your arowana, look for rehoming options through local fish clubs or reputable stores.
  • Energy Efficiency: Consider energy-efficient equipment (heaters, pumps, lighting) to reduce your carbon footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arowana Fish Requirements

Does an arowana need a heater?

Yes, absolutely. Arowanas are tropical fish and require stable water temperatures between 75-82°F (24-28°C). A reliable heater (or multiple heaters for very large tanks) is essential to maintain this range and prevent stress or illness.

Can I keep two arowanas together?

While possible in extremely large tanks (hundreds of gallons) with careful selection and often only with certain species (like Silver Arowanas), it’s generally not recommended for the average home aquarist. Arowanas can be highly territorial and aggressive towards each other, often leading to severe injury or death. It’s safer and less stressful to keep a single arowana.

How often should I feed my arowana?

Juvenile arowanas (under 12 inches) can be fed 2-3 times a day, small portions that are consumed quickly. Adult arowanas typically need feeding once a day, or even every other day. Always observe your fish; if they’re leaving food, reduce frequency or portion size. The goal is to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to water quality issues.

What are the benefits of proper arowana fish requirements?

The benefits are immense! Meeting all arowana fish requirements ensures your fish will:

  • Exhibit vibrant colors and healthy finnage.
  • Grow to its full potential size.
  • Live a long, fulfilling life (10-20+ years).
  • Be active, alert, and exhibit natural behaviors.
  • Be less susceptible to stress and diseases, saving you time, money, and heartache.

Ultimately, it means you get to enjoy a truly magnificent and thriving specimen in your home.

What kind of lid do I need for an arowana tank?

You need a very strong, heavy, and tightly fitting lid. Arowanas are powerful jumpers, and a flimsy or ill-fitting lid is an invitation for disaster. Glass tops with clips or a custom-built, weighted lid are often preferred. Ensure there are no gaps large enough for the fish to squeeze through, especially around filter cutouts or feeding doors.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Arowana Mastery Begins Now!

Caring for an arowana is a significant commitment, but the rewards are immeasurable. These magnificent fish bring a sense of ancient grandeur and dynamic beauty to any space they inhabit. By understanding and diligently applying the essential arowana fish requirements we’ve discussed, you’re not just housing a fish; you’re cultivating a living piece of art and a testament to dedicated aquarism.

Remember, patience, observation, and consistency are your greatest tools. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, continue learning, and connect with other arowana enthusiasts. Every successful aquarist started somewhere, and with this comprehensive arowana fish requirements guide, you’re well on your way to providing a happy, healthy, and thriving home for your “dragon fish.” Go forth and embark on this incredible aquatic adventure—you’ve got this!

Howard Parker
Latest posts by Howard Parker (see all)