Fish Arowana – Essential Care And Expert Tips For A Stunning Aquatic

Written ByHoward Parker

Ever dreamed of owning a living, swimming jewel? A fish that commands attention with its graceful movements and shimmering scales? You’re likely picturing the majestic fish arowana, often called the “dragon fish” due to its ancient, powerful appearance. Many aquarists, from beginners to seasoned veterans, are captivated by these magnificent creatures, but the idea of caring for such a grand fish can feel a little daunting at first.

Don’t worry! Here at Aquifarm, we believe that with the right knowledge and a bit of dedication, anyone can provide a thriving home for an arowana. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, transforming any apprehension into excitement. We’ll share expert insights and practical advice, ensuring your aquatic dragon not only survives but truly flourishes.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap to successful arowana keeping, covering everything from tank setup to feeding best practices and solving common problems. Get ready to unlock the secrets to a breathtaking aquarium centerpiece!

Understanding Your Fish Arowana: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of care, let’s get acquainted with the star of our show. The arowana is a freshwater bony fish belonging to the family Osteoglossidae. They are ancient fish, with fossil records dating back millions of years, earning them their “living fossil” moniker. Their elongated bodies, large scales, and distinct barbels give them an unmistakable prehistoric charm.

These fish are renowned for their intelligence and personality. Many owners report their arowanas recognizing them, following their movements, and even accepting food directly from their hands. It’s this interactive quality, combined with their striking beauty, that makes them such a sought-after addition to the aquarium hobby.

The Allure of the Arowana

What makes the arowana so captivating? Beyond their impressive size and shimmering scales, it’s their regal presence. They swim with a powerful, almost predatory grace, surveying their domain with an air of quiet authority. Watching an arowana glide through the water is a truly mesmerizing experience, turning any aquarium into a living work of art.

They are also known for their unique hunting style, often leaping out of the water to snatch insects or small animals, which is a rare and exciting spectacle for those who witness it. This dynamic behavior adds another layer of intrigue to their ownership.

Types of Arowanas

While the term “arowana” often conjures images of the gleaming Silver Arowana, there are several species, each with its own distinct charm. Understanding the different types is crucial for responsible ownership.

  • Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum): The most common and often the entry point for many enthusiasts. Native to the Amazon, they are known for their iridescent silver scales and can grow exceptionally large.
  • Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus): Highly prized and often very expensive, these include varieties like Red Tail Golden, Super Red, and Green Arowanas. They are listed under CITES Appendix I, meaning their international trade is heavily regulated and often requires permits, emphasizing the importance of sustainable fish arowana sourcing.
  • Jardini Arowana (Scleropages jardinii): Also known as the Australian Arowana, these have a more robust body and distinct red spots or markings on their scales. They can be more aggressive than Silvers.
  • Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai): Similar to the Silver Arowana but with a darker, sometimes almost black, coloration when young, fading to a silvery-grey with age.

For beginners, the Silver Arowana is generally recommended due to its availability, adaptability, and relatively lower cost compared to Asian varieties. However, regardless of the species, proper care remains paramount.

Setting Up the Perfect Home: Essential Fish Arowana Care Guide

The foundation of a happy, healthy arowana begins with its home. Getting the tank setup right from day one is one of the most important fish arowana tips you’ll ever receive. Remember, these are large, powerful fish that require significant space and pristine water conditions.

Tank Size and Setup

This is where many aspiring arowana keepers might hesitate, but it’s non-negotiable. Arowanas grow big, and they grow fast. A juvenile arowana might look cute in a smaller tank, but it will quickly outgrow it.

  • Minimum Tank Size: For a single Silver Arowana, a 180-gallon (680 liters) tank is generally considered the absolute minimum, but a 250-gallon (946 liters) or larger is highly recommended. For Asian arowanas, a 125-150 gallon (473-568 liters) tank can suffice for a single specimen, though bigger is always better.
  • Dimensions: Length is more important than height. Aim for a tank that is at least 6-8 feet long (180-240 cm) and 2-3 feet wide (60-90 cm). This provides ample swimming space and allows the fish to turn comfortably.
  • Lid: Arowanas are incredible jumpers. A sturdy, heavy, and tightly fitting lid is absolutely essential to prevent your fish from leaping out of the tank. Gaps should be minimized.

When you’re thinking about how to fish arowana, always prioritize the tank size. Skimping here leads to stunted growth, stress, and health problems down the line.

Filtration: Keeping it Crystal Clear

Large fish produce a lot of waste, so robust filtration is critical. You’ll need a multi-stage filtration system that handles mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.

  • Canister Filters: Often used in multiples for arowana tanks, providing excellent mechanical and biological filtration.
  • Sump Filters: Highly recommended for large tanks, sumps offer massive capacity for filter media, heaters, and protein skimmers (if used), providing superior water quality control.
  • Sponge Filters: Can be used as supplemental biological filtration or for aeration.

Aim for a total flow rate that turns over your tank’s water volume at least 5-10 times per hour. Good water flow is important for oxygenation and preventing dead spots in the tank.

Water Parameters: The Key to Health

Maintaining stable and appropriate water parameters is fundamental to arowana health. Consistency is more important than hitting exact numbers, but these are good targets:

  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C) is ideal. Use reliable heaters with thermostats.
  • pH: A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is generally preferred by most arowana species, especially South American ones. Asian arowanas can tolerate a slightly wider range.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (dH 2-10).
  • Ammonia, Nitrite: 0 ppm. These are highly toxic.
  • Nitrate: Keep below 20 ppm. Regular water changes are your best defense against nitrate buildup.

Invest in a reliable water testing kit and check your parameters regularly, especially during the initial setup phase. This is a crucial part of any comprehensive fish arowana care guide.

Substrate and Decor: Creating a Natural Habitat

While arowanas spend most of their time in the upper water column, the substrate and decor still play a role in their environment.

  • Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is suitable. A darker substrate can often help bring out the colors of your arowana and reduce glare.
  • Decor: Provide some hiding spots, but ensure there’s plenty of open swimming space. Smooth rocks, driftwood, and large, sturdy artificial plants are good choices. Avoid anything with sharp edges that could injure your fish.
  • Live Plants: Large, robust plants like Anubias or Java Fern attached to driftwood can work, but arowanas can be disruptive, so choose hardy species.

Always ensure any decor is securely placed and won’t topple over, potentially injuring your fish or damaging the tank.

How to Fish Arowana: Feeding and Nutrition Best Practices

Feeding your arowana is one of the most engaging aspects of ownership. They are carnivores with hearty appetites, and a varied diet is essential for their growth, color, and overall health. This section focuses on fish arowana best practices for nutrition.

What to Feed Your Arowana

Variety is key! Don’t rely on a single food source. Here’s a breakdown of suitable foods:

  • High-Quality Pellets/Sticks: Specially formulated arowana pellets or sticks should form the staple of their diet. Look for brands with high protein content and essential vitamins.
  • Frozen Foods: Offer a variety of frozen options like krill, silversides, shrimp, mussels, and occasionally beef heart (in moderation due to fat content). Thaw thoroughly before feeding.
  • Live Foods (with caution):
    • Insects: Crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms are excellent sources of protein.
    • Feeder Fish: While popular, feeder fish can carry diseases and parasites, and often lack nutritional value. If you choose to use them, quarantine and gut-load them with nutritious foods for several days prior to feeding. Alternatively, consider using commercially bred “feeder shrimp” or “feeder guppies” from reputable sources.

Avoid feeding fatty meats like chicken or pork, as these can lead to health issues over time.

Feeding Frequency and Portions

Juvenile arowanas (under 10 inches) should be fed 2-3 times a day, small portions they can consume within a few minutes. As they grow, you can reduce feeding to once a day or even every other day for very large adults.

The key is not to overfeed. Overfeeding leads to poor water quality and can cause digestive issues in your fish. Observe your arowana’s body condition – it should be streamlined, not bloated.

Avoiding Common Feeding Mistakes

One common issue is “drop eye,” where one or both eyes point downwards. While the exact cause is debated, a diet high in floating foods and lack of vertical stimulation (causing the fish to constantly look down for food) is often implicated. To mitigate this:

  • Vary feeding locations, sometimes dropping food to the bottom.
  • Offer a mix of floating and sinking foods.
  • Ensure adequate tank space to encourage natural swimming patterns.

Another mistake is relying solely on live feeder fish. As mentioned, this poses health risks and nutritional deficiencies. A varied diet is always the healthier choice.

Maintaining a Healthy Fish Arowana: Tips for Longevity

Beyond initial setup and feeding, consistent maintenance is paramount for the long-term health and vibrancy of your arowana. These fish arowana tips will help you keep your aquatic dragon in peak condition.

Water Changes and Tank Maintenance

Regular, significant water changes are non-negotiable for a large fish like the arowana. This is the single most effective way to keep nitrates low and replenish essential minerals.

  • Frequency: Aim for 25-50% water changes weekly. For very large tanks or heavily stocked setups, you might need to do larger or more frequent changes.
  • Preparation: Always treat tap water with a good quality dechlorinator/water conditioner. Match the temperature of the new water to the tank water to avoid shocking your fish.
  • Cleaning: Siphon the substrate to remove accumulated waste. Clean filter media regularly, but never all at once, to preserve beneficial bacteria. Wipe down tank glass to prevent algae buildup.

Consistency in water quality is crucial. Sudden fluctuations can stress your arowana and make it susceptible to disease.

Tank Mates: Choosing Wisely

Arowanas are predatory fish, and choosing tank mates requires careful consideration. Generally, they do best alone or with other large, semi-aggressive fish that are too big to be eaten and can hold their own.

  • Suitable Tank Mates: Large plecos, datnoids, large South American cichlids (e.g., Oscar, Green Terror), large catfish (e.g., iridescent sharks, pangasius catfish – ensure they also have adequate space).
  • Avoid: Small fish, aggressive nippers, or overly territorial fish that might stress the arowana.

Always introduce new tank mates carefully and observe interactions closely. Be prepared to separate them if aggression becomes an issue. For beginners, a species-only tank is often the safest bet.

Recognizing Stress and Illness

Being attentive to your arowana’s behavior and appearance is key to early detection of problems. Here are some signs to watch for:

  • Loss of Appetite: A significant change in feeding habits.
  • Clamped Fins: Fins held close to the body.
  • Lethargy or Hiding: Unusual inactivity or seeking secluded spots more often.
  • Flashes/Rubbing: Rubbing against tank decor or substrate, indicating irritation.
  • Physical Symptoms: White spots (ich), frayed fins, cloudy eyes, bloating, abnormal growths, discoloration.

If you notice any of these signs, check your water parameters immediately. Often, poor water quality is the root cause of illness.

Common Problems with Fish Arowana and Solutions

Even with the best care, you might encounter specific challenges. Here are some common problems with fish arowana and how to address them:

  • Drop Eye: As discussed, often linked to diet and tank environment. Vary feeding, ensure adequate space. Some severe cases may require surgery by an expert, but prevention is best.
  • Fin Rot: Often caused by poor water quality or injury. Improve water quality with immediate water changes, and consider a broad-spectrum antibiotic if severe.
  • Ich (White Spot Disease): Appears as small white spots on the body and fins. Treat with increased temperature (slowly!), aquarium salt, or commercial ich medication. Ensure good aeration.
  • Stunted Growth: Almost always due to an undersized tank or inadequate diet. The solution is a larger tank and improved nutrition.
  • Gill Flukes: Fish may “flash” or have rapid gill movements. Treat with appropriate anti-parasitic medications.

Always research any medication thoroughly and follow instructions precisely. When in doubt, consult with an experienced aquarist or an aquatic veterinarian.

Sustainable Fish Arowana Keeping: An Eco-Conscious Approach

As responsible aquarists, we have a role to play in the conservation of aquatic life. Adopting an eco-friendly fish arowana approach benefits both your pet and the wider ecosystem.

Sourcing Your Arowana Responsibly

The key to sustainable fish arowana ownership begins before you even bring your fish home. Always purchase from reputable dealers who can provide proof of origin, especially for Asian Arowanas, which are often captive-bred and regulated.

  • Look for Captive-Bred: Opt for captive-bred fish whenever possible. This reduces pressure on wild populations.
  • Certifications: For Asian Arowanas, ask for CITES permits and microchip documentation. Reputable breeders will provide these.
  • Avoid Wild-Caught (unless verified): While some wild-caught Silver Arowanas are legal, ensure they come from sustainable harvesting programs.

By making informed choices, you help combat illegal wildlife trade and support ethical breeding practices.

The Importance of Conservation

Even though arowanas are popular, many species face threats in the wild due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. By supporting sustainable practices and educating others, you contribute to their long-term survival. Remember, your aquarium is a small window into a much larger, delicate ecosystem.

Benefits of Fish Arowana Ownership: More Than Just a Pet

So, why go through all this effort? The benefits of fish arowana ownership extend far beyond simply having a fish in a tank. It’s a truly enriching experience.

Aesthetic Appeal and Focal Point

An arowana is not just a fish; it’s a living sculpture. Its majestic presence and shimmering scales make it an undeniable focal point in any room. It adds a touch of exotic elegance and natural beauty that few other aquarium inhabitants can match. Imagine the serene beauty it brings to your home.

Engaging Behavior and Personality

Unlike some fish that seem to ignore their surroundings, arowanas are highly interactive. They learn to recognize their owners, respond to feeding cues, and display unique personalities. Watching them hunt, patrol their territory, or simply glide gracefully through the water provides endless fascination and a calming presence.

A Rewarding Challenge

Caring for an arowana is a commitment, and successfully maintaining a healthy, thriving specimen is incredibly rewarding. It pushes you to learn, to be consistent, and to develop a deeper understanding of aquatic ecosystems. The pride you’ll feel watching your arowana grow and flourish under your care is immense.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fish Arowana

Let’s address some common queries that often come up when discussing these magnificent fish.

How long do arowana fish live?

With proper care, arowanas can live for a very long time. Silver Arowanas typically live 10-15 years, but some have been known to live over 20 years in captivity. Asian Arowanas can live even longer, often exceeding 20 years.

Can arowanas live in a community tank?

Yes, but with significant caveats. They require very large tanks and should only be housed with other large, robust, and semi-aggressive fish that are too big to be considered prey. Compatibility varies, and careful observation is always necessary. A species-only tank is often the safest and least stressful option.

Are arowanas aggressive?

Arowanas are predatory and can be territorial, especially as they mature. They are not typically aggressive towards humans, but they will eat smaller fish and may squabble with other large fish, particularly if the tank is too small or if there isn’t enough hiding space.

What is “drop eye” in arowanas?

Drop eye (or “droopy eye”) is a condition where one or both of an arowana’s eyes point downwards. While the exact cause is debated, it’s often associated with a diet high in floating foods and a lack of visual stimulation in the lower parts of the tank. Providing a varied diet (including sinking foods) and adequate tank space can help prevent it.

How fast do arowanas grow?

Arowanas are fast growers, especially when young and well-fed. A juvenile Silver Arowana can grow several inches per month in its first year, quickly outgrowing smaller tanks. They can reach 2-3 feet in length within a few years.

Conclusion

Bringing a fish arowana into your home is an incredible journey. It’s a commitment, yes, but one that promises years of fascination, beauty, and interaction with one of nature’s most ancient and magnificent creatures. By following this comprehensive fish arowana guide, you’re not just setting up a tank; you’re creating a thriving ecosystem for an aquatic dragon.

Remember, the keys to success are a spacious tank, pristine water quality, a varied and nutritious diet, and keen observation. With these principles in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and successful arowana keeper. The rewards of watching your majestic arowana flourish are truly immeasurable. Go forth and create your stunning aquatic display!

Howard Parker
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