Arowana Like Fish – Your Ultimate Guide To Stunning, Manageable Giants

Written ByHoward Parker

Ever gazed at the magnificent arowana, captivated by its prehistoric elegance and powerful presence, only to sigh at the thought of its massive tank requirements or specialized care? You’re not alone! Many aquarists dream of that iconic “dragon fish” look but find the reality of keeping a true arowana a bit daunting. Don’t worry—you can still achieve that show-stopping aesthetic in your home aquarium without the extreme commitment.

At Aquifarm, we understand that desire for a truly spectacular centerpiece fish. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of arowana like fish. This comprehensive guide is your passport to discovering incredible species that mimic the arowana’s grandeur, often with more manageable sizes and temperaments. We promise to equip you with all the expert insights and practical advice you need to choose, set up, and care for these fantastic alternatives.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which “mini-arowanas” are right for you, how to set up their ideal habitat, and master the best practices for their long-term health and happiness. Let’s unlock the secrets to a breathtaking aquarium!

What Exactly Are “Arowana Like Fish”?

When we talk about arowana like fish, we’re referring to a fascinating group of freshwater species that share key visual and behavioral traits with true arowanas (family Osteoglossidae). Think about what makes an arowana so striking: its elongated, torpedo-shaped body, large scales, dorsal and anal fins set far back, and often an upward-facing mouth designed for surface feeding.

These are the characteristics we look for in our “arowana alternatives.” They offer that same majestic swimming style and powerful presence, but typically come with a more forgiving care regimen. This means you can enjoy a similar aesthetic without needing a multi-thousand-gallon tank or dealing with highly aggressive behaviors often associated with true arowanas.

Why Choose an Arowana Alternative?

The allure of a true arowana is undeniable, but the challenges are significant. They grow huge—often 2-3 feet long—requiring immense aquariums (300 gallons+), specialized diets, and can be quite aggressive. For many enthusiasts, these demands are simply too much.

Choosing an arowana like fish offers numerous benefits of arowana like fish alternatives:

  • Manageable Size: Most alternatives stay under 12-18 inches, fitting comfortably into tanks ranging from 50 to 125 gallons.
  • Lower Cost: Both the fish and the necessary equipment are generally more affordable.
  • Easier Care: Often more adaptable to various water parameters and a broader diet.
  • Less Aggression: Many alternatives are more peaceful, allowing for a wider range of tankmates.
  • Diverse Options: A variety of species means you can find one that perfectly matches your aesthetic and experience level.

Top Picks: Our Favorite Arowana Like Fish for Your Aquarium

Ready to meet some incredible fish that bring that coveted “arowana flair” to your tank? Here are some of Aquifarm’s top recommendations for arowana like fish, each with its own unique charm and care requirements. This section offers a great starting point for your arowana like fish guide!

The Majestic African Butterflyfish (Pantodon buchholzi)

This truly unique fish is arguably the closest in appearance and behavior to a miniature arowana, especially with its surface-dwelling habits and large, wing-like pectoral fins. The African Butterflyfish is a stunning sight, often perching just below the water’s surface, waiting for insects.

They reach about 4-5 inches, making them suitable for tanks as small as 20-30 gallons, though larger is always better. They are ambush predators and best kept with peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish too large to be considered prey. A secure lid is absolutely essential, as they are expert jumpers!

Elegant Freshwater Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecidae Family)

These small, schooling fish are famous for their incredibly deep, hatchet-shaped bodies and pectoral fins that allow them to “fly” short distances above the water. While much smaller than arowanas (1-3 inches), their surface-skimming behavior and sleek, reflective scales certainly evoke a similar elegance.

Hatchetfish thrive in groups of 6 or more and require a well-covered tank to prevent escapes. They are peaceful and do well with other small, calm species. They are excellent at demonstrating how to bring a unique, arowana-esque element to smaller tanks.

Ancient Wonders: The Bichir Family (Polypterus spp.)

Bichirs are living fossils, ancient relatives of ray-finned fish, and absolute showstoppers. While their body shape isn’t exactly like an arowana, their elongated, armored bodies, powerful fins, and predatory nature give them a similar “dragon” vibe. Species like the Senegal Bichir (Polypterus senegalus) stay around 10-14 inches, while others can grow much larger.

They are bottom-dwellers but are incredibly active and curious. Bichirs are robust and relatively easy to care for, preferring meaty foods. They appreciate plenty of hiding spots and a sandy substrate. Ensure tankmates are too large to be eaten!

The Dragon Goby (Gobioides broussonnetii) – A Unique Twist

For something truly different, consider the Dragon Goby. While not a surface dweller, its elongated, eel-like body, large fins, and often iridescent scales give it a mystical, almost mythical appearance reminiscent of an Eastern dragon. They can grow up to 20 inches, but their slender build makes them suitable for tanks starting around 55-75 gallons.

Dragon Gobies are brackish water fish (requiring a mix of fresh and saltwater) and are peaceful bottom feeders. They need fine sand to sift through for food and plenty of hiding spots. They are a unique choice for those seeking a majestic, serpentine presence.

Setting Up for Success: Arowana Like Fish Best Practices

Once you’ve chosen your magnificent arowana like fish, the next critical step is to provide them with a home where they can truly thrive. Proper tank setup is paramount for their health and happiness, and these are the arowana like fish best practices you need to follow.

Tank Size & Dimensions: Giving Them Room to Thrive

Even though these fish are “alternatives,” they still need ample space. A common mistake is underestimating their adult size and activity levels. Always research the maximum size of your chosen species and plan accordingly.

  • For African Butterflyfish: A 20-gallon long tank is a minimum for one, but a 30-gallon breeder offers better surface area.
  • For Hatchetfish: A 20-gallon long is good for a small school, but a 30-40 gallon provides more swimming space.
  • For Senegal Bichirs: A 50-gallon tank is a good starting point for one, with larger tanks (75-125 gallons) for multiple or larger species.
  • For Dragon Gobies: A 55-gallon tank is minimal for one, with a 75-gallon being ideal for long-term health.

Remember, these fish are often active and need room to swim and explore. A longer, wider tank is generally better than a taller one, especially for surface dwellers like the African Butterflyfish.

Water Parameters & Filtration: Keeping Things Pristine

Maintaining stable and clean water is non-negotiable. Most of these fish prefer soft to moderately hard water with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, though always check specific requirements for your chosen species.

  • Filtration: Opt for robust filtration. Canister filters are excellent for their capacity and efficiency. Over-filter if in doubt!
  • Water Changes: Regular weekly or bi-weekly water changes (25-30%) are crucial to keep nitrates low and replenish essential minerals.
  • Temperature: Most prefer tropical temperatures, typically between 75-82°F (24-28°C). Use a reliable heater.
  • Secure Lid: This is a non-negotiable for almost all arowana like fish, especially surface dwellers like the African Butterflyfish and Hatchetfish. They are notorious jumpers. Ensure there are no gaps!

Good water quality directly impacts your fish’s immune system and overall vitality. Don’t skimp on this!

Aquascaping for Comfort and Security

The right aquascape provides both aesthetic appeal and crucial functional elements for your fish.

  • Substrate: Fine sand is ideal for bichirs and dragon gobies who like to sift or burrow. For others, gravel or sand works well.
  • Hiding Spots: Driftwood, caves, and rock formations are vital. Bichirs love to explore and rest in crevices.
  • Floating Plants: For surface dwellers like African Butterflyfish and Hatchetfish, floating plants like Amazon Frogbit or Water Lettuce provide shade, security, and mimic their natural habitat.
  • Open Swimming Space: While hiding spots are important, ensure there’s still plenty of open water for your fish to swim freely.

Arowana Like Fish Care Guide: Feeding, Tankmates, & Health

Now that their home is ready, let’s talk about the day-to-day aspects of their well-being. This arowana like fish care guide covers everything from diet to disease prevention, ensuring your fish thrive for years to come.

What to Feed Your “Mini-Arowana”

Most arowana like fish are predatory or insectivorous in nature, so a varied, high-protein diet is essential. This is a key part of how to arowana like fish successfully.

  • African Butterflyfish: Primarily insectivorous. Offer live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, small crickets, and flightless fruit flies. They often ignore sinking foods.
  • Freshwater Hatchetfish: Small insects, daphnia, brine shrimp, and high-quality flake food that floats.
  • Bichirs: Carnivorous. Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, chopped earthworms, high-quality sinking pellets, and occasional feeder fish (with caution due to disease risk).
  • Dragon Gobies: Detritivores/micro-predators. They sift sand for food. Offer sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and ensure a continuous supply of microfauna in the substrate.

Feed 1-2 times a day, only what they can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues.

Choosing Compatible Tankmates

Compatibility is crucial to prevent stress, injury, or predation. These fish are often predators themselves, so choose wisely.

  • African Butterflyfish: Peaceful, but will eat anything small enough to fit in their mouth. Good tankmates include larger tetras, peaceful cichlids (e.g., Kribensis), corydoras, and plecos.
  • Freshwater Hatchetfish: Very peaceful schooling fish. Suitable with other small, peaceful species like rasboras, small tetras, corydoras, and dwarf cichlids.
  • Bichirs: Can be kept with other bichirs (ensure similar size to prevent cannibalism) or larger, peaceful-to-semi-aggressive fish like larger tetras, peaceful cichlids, larger gouramis, and some catfishes. Avoid anything small enough to be swallowed.
  • Dragon Gobies: Extremely peaceful. Best kept with other brackish water fish that are similarly docile, such as mollies, platies, or other gobies. They won’t bother anything too large to fit in their mouth.

Maintaining Health: Prevention is Key

Vigilance is your best tool for keeping your arowana like fish healthy. Regular observation and good husbandry prevent most issues.

  • Observe Daily: Look for changes in behavior, appetite, swimming patterns, or appearance (torn fins, spots, discoloration).
  • Quarantine New Fish: Always quarantine new additions for 2-4 weeks to prevent introducing diseases to your main tank.
  • Stable Environment: Consistent water parameters, proper diet, and a stress-free environment are the best defense against illness.
  • Cleanliness: Keep the tank clean. Remove uneaten food promptly.

Common Problems with Arowana Like Fish & How to Solve Them

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter a few bumps in the road. Knowing the common problems with arowana like fish and how to address them will save you stress and keep your aquatic friends happy.

The Jumper’s Dilemma: Secure Lids are a Must

Many arowana alternatives, especially the African Butterflyfish and Hatchetfish, are renowned for their jumping abilities. A small gap in the lid, even for wires, can be an escape route.

Solution: Invest in a tight-fitting lid, preferably one that covers the entire top surface. Use mesh or plastic inserts to cover any gaps around heaters, filters, or airline tubing. This simple step is one of the most crucial arowana like fish tips you’ll receive.

Fin Nipping & Aggression: Understanding Social Dynamics

While generally less aggressive than true arowanas, some species or individuals can display territoriality or fin nipping, especially bichirs if kept with fish with long, flowing fins.

Solution: Research tankmate compatibility thoroughly before introducing new fish. If aggression occurs, assess if the tank is overcrowded, if there are enough hiding spots, or if a particular fish is the aggressor. Sometimes, rearranging decor can break up territories. In severe cases, separating the aggressive fish may be necessary.

Dietary Challenges: Encouraging Varied Eating

Some newly acquired fish, or even established ones, might be picky eaters or refuse certain foods. This is a common hurdle when learning how to arowana like fish successfully.

Solution: Offer a varied diet from the start. If a fish is refusing food, try different types (live, frozen, pellets, flakes) at different times of the day. Ensure the food is presented at their preferred feeding level (surface for butterflyfish, bottom for bichirs). Patience is key; a healthy fish can go a few days without eating without harm. Avoid overfeeding to prevent fouling the water.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Arowana Like Fish Keeping

As responsible aquarists, we have a role to play in protecting aquatic environments. Embracing sustainable arowana like fish practices benefits both your hobby and the planet. Here’s how to ensure your passion is also eco-friendly arowana like fish keeping.

  • Responsible Sourcing: Whenever possible, purchase captive-bred fish from reputable local fish stores or breeders. This reduces pressure on wild populations and often results in hardier fish.
  • Energy Efficiency: Opt for energy-efficient heaters and LED lighting. Timers can help regulate lighting cycles and reduce energy waste.
  • Water Conservation: When performing water changes, consider using the old aquarium water to nourish houseplants—it’s full of beneficial nitrates!
  • Minimize Waste: Choose fish foods with minimal packaging. Dispose of old aquarium equipment responsibly.
  • Avoid Invasive Species: Never release aquarium fish into local waterways. This can devastate native ecosystems. If you can no longer care for a fish, find it a new home or consult your local fish store for rehoming options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arowana Like Fish

We know you’ve got questions, and we’re here to answer them! Here are some common queries about these incredible fish.

Are arowana like fish hard to keep?

Generally, no! While some species require specific conditions (like brackish water for Dragon Gobies), most arowana like fish are considered moderately easy to care for once their basic needs for tank size, water quality, and diet are met. They are significantly less demanding than true arowanas, making them great for intermediate aquarists or even dedicated beginners.

How big do arowana like fish get?

Their size varies greatly by species. African Butterflyfish reach about 4-5 inches, Hatchetfish 1-3 inches, Senegal Bichirs 10-14 inches, and Dragon Gobies up to 20 inches. Always research the specific species you’re interested in to ensure you can provide adequate space.

Can I keep multiple arowana like fish together?

It depends on the species. Hatchetfish are schooling fish and thrive in groups. Bichirs can often be kept in groups, especially if introduced at a young age and provided with ample space and hiding spots. African Butterflyfish are generally solitary and can be aggressive towards their own kind in smaller tanks. Dragon Gobies are peaceful and can be kept in groups in a large enough tank.

What’s the minimum tank size for an African Butterflyfish?

A 20-gallon long tank is generally considered the minimum for a single African Butterflyfish due to their need for surface area. However, a 30-gallon breeder tank offers more stability and swimming room, making it a better choice for their long-term well-being.

Do arowana like fish require live food?

While many appreciate and benefit from live foods, most can be weaned onto high-quality frozen or even pellet/flake foods. African Butterflyfish and Hatchetfish especially love small insects. A varied diet, including both live and frozen options, is usually best for optimal health and color.

Conclusion

Bringing the grandeur of an arowana into your home doesn’t have to mean investing in a commercial-sized aquarium or becoming a specialized expert overnight. With the incredible diversity of arowana like fish, you can achieve that stunning, majestic look with species that are perfectly suited to a home aquarium setting.

From the surface-skimming elegance of the African Butterflyfish to the ancient charm of the Bichir, there’s a perfect “mini-arowana” out there for you. By following our arowana like fish tips and implementing the arowana like fish best practices, you’re well on your way to creating an aquarium that will be the envy of all who behold it.

So, take a deep breath, do your research, and prepare to be amazed. Your next aquatic adventure awaits, and with Aquifarm’s guidance, you’re equipped to make it a resounding success. Happy fish keeping!

Howard Parker
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