How To Keep Arowana Fish At Home – The Ultimate Aquarist’S Guide

Written ByHoward Parker

Dreaming of a magnificent Arowana gliding gracefully through your home aquarium? You’re not alone! These ancient, majestic fish are truly captivating, boasting shimmering scales and an undeniable presence that can transform any living space. Many aquarists, both seasoned and aspiring, are drawn to the allure of keeping an Arowana.

However, the thought of caring for such a large and unique creature can feel a bit daunting. Perhaps you’ve heard stories about their specific needs or challenging temperament. Don’t worry—you’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide will demystify how to keep arowana fish at home, providing you with expert insights and actionable strategies to ensure your Arowana not only survives but absolutely thrives.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the commitment required and the rewarding journey ahead. We’ll cover everything from selecting the perfect tank and setting up an optimal environment to feeding, maintenance, and troubleshooting common issues. Get ready to unlock the secrets to successful Arowana keeping!

Understanding Your Arowana: A Glimpse into Their World

Before diving into the practicalities of how to keep arowana fish at home, it’s crucial to understand these incredible creatures. Arowanas are freshwater predatory fish native to South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia, known for their elongated bodies, large scales, and distinct “dragon-like” appearance.

Different species have varying characteristics and care requirements, but they all share a need for spacious, well-maintained environments. Their popularity stems from their beauty, intelligence, and the belief in some cultures that they bring good luck and prosperity.

The Allure of the Dragon Fish

Arowanas are often called “dragon fish” due to their impressive scales and barbels, which resemble a mythical dragon. This isn’t just a nickname; it reflects their regal bearing and powerful swimming style. Observing an Arowana navigate its tank is a truly mesmerizing experience, making the effort of their care incredibly rewarding.

They are highly intelligent fish, capable of recognizing their owners and even interacting with them. This unique personality adds another layer to the joy of keeping these magnificent pets.

The Foundation: Essential Tank Setup for Arowanas

The tank is your Arowana’s entire world, so getting the setup right is paramount. This section provides a detailed how to keep arowana fish at home guide for creating the perfect habitat.

Tank Size Matters (A Lot!)

This is arguably the most critical factor. Arowanas grow very large, very quickly. A Silver Arowana, for instance, can easily reach 3 feet in length. Asian Arowanas are typically smaller but still require substantial space.

For a single adult Arowana, you’re looking at a minimum of a 180-gallon tank (72″ L x 24″ W x 24″ H). Many experienced keepers recommend 200-300 gallons or more for optimal health and comfort. Remember, a bigger tank offers more stable water parameters and more swimming room, which reduces stress and prevents physical deformities.

  • Juveniles: While small Arowanas might start in a 55-75 gallon tank, this is only temporary. Be prepared to upgrade significantly and quickly.
  • Material: Acrylic tanks are often preferred for larger setups due to their lighter weight and resistance to shattering, though glass tanks are also suitable if robustly constructed.
  • Lid: Arowanas are notorious jumpers! A heavy, secure lid is non-negotiable. Any gap is an escape route.

Filtration: The Heart of a Healthy Habitat

Given their size and the amount of waste they produce, Arowanas demand exceptional filtration. You’ll need a robust system that handles mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration effectively.

Over-filtration is key. Don’t skimp here. A combination of filters is often best:

  • Canister Filters: Excellent for mechanical and chemical filtration, often housing biological media. Run multiple large canisters.
  • Sump System: Highly recommended for very large tanks. A sump provides massive biological filtration capacity and helps maintain water volume and stability.
  • Powerheads: While not filters, powerheads improve water circulation, ensuring detritus is moved towards filter intakes and oxygen is distributed.

Regular maintenance of your filtration system is crucial. Clogged filters are inefficient filters.

Heating and Water Parameters

Arowanas are tropical fish and require stable water conditions. Maintaining the right parameters is a core component of how to keep arowana fish at home best practices.

  • Temperature: Keep the water between 75-82°F (24-28°C). Use multiple heaters for larger tanks to ensure even heating and provide a backup in case one fails.
  • pH: A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5) is generally suitable. Asian Arowanas often prefer slightly lower pH.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (dH 5-15) is ideal.

Invest in reliable testing kits for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Consistency is far more important than hitting exact numbers, as long as they are within a healthy range.

Substrate and Decor: Creating a Natural Environment

When selecting substrate and decor, remember your Arowana’s size and powerful movements.

  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth, large pebbles are good choices. Avoid sharp gravel that could injure your fish. Bare bottom tanks are also common for easier cleaning.
  • Decor: Use smooth rocks, driftwood, or artificial plants. Ensure all decorations are heavy and stable enough not to be knocked over by a large, powerful fish. Arrange them to provide open swimming spaces and a few hiding spots.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is generally fine. Arowanas are most active during the day.

Always rinse new substrate and decor thoroughly before adding them to the tank. Driftwood may need pre-soaking to release tannins.

Diet and Nutrition: Fueling Your Majestic Arowana

A proper diet is vital for your Arowana’s health, coloration, and longevity. This section of our how to keep arowana fish at home care guide focuses on feeding strategies.

Arowanas are primarily carnivorous predators. Their diet in the wild consists of insects, smaller fish, and even small amphibians or reptiles. In captivity, a varied diet is essential to provide all necessary nutrients.

Variety is Key

Never rely on just one type of food. A diverse diet mimics their natural feeding habits and prevents nutritional deficiencies.

  • Live Foods: Feeder fish (guppies, mollies – ensure they are disease-free and gut-loaded), crickets, mealworms, superworms, grasshoppers. Use live foods sparingly to avoid introducing parasites and as a treat, not a staple.
  • Frozen Foods: Krill, prawns, mussels, lance fish, silversides. Thaw thoroughly before feeding.
  • Pellets & Sticks: High-quality, specially formulated Arowana pellets or sticks can be a good staple, but ensure they are nutritionally complete. Look for brands with high protein content.
  • Occasional Treats: Small pieces of lean fish (tilapia, cod), shrimp, or earthworms.

Feeding Frequency and Portion Control

Juvenile Arowanas (under 12 inches) should be fed 2-3 times a day, small portions they can consume within a few minutes. As they grow, reduce feeding to once a day, then 3-4 times a week for adults.

Monitor your Arowana’s girth and activity levels. Overfeeding leads to poor water quality and potential health issues like fatty liver disease. Underfeeding can stunt growth and weaken the fish.

Water Quality Management: The Key to Arowana Health

Excellent water quality is non-negotiable for Arowanas. They are sensitive to pollutants and fluctuating parameters. Adhering to these how to keep arowana fish at home best practices will ensure a clean and stable environment.

Water Change Routine

Regular, significant water changes are the cornerstone of Arowana care. Aim for at least 25-30% of the tank volume weekly, or 50% bi-weekly, depending on your tank size and stocking density.

  • Dechlorinate: Always use a high-quality water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines from tap water.
  • Temperature Match: Try to match the temperature of the new water to the tank water to avoid shocking your fish.
  • Gravel Vacuum: If you have substrate, use a gravel vacuum to remove accumulated waste during water changes.

Consistent water changes dilute nitrates, replenish essential minerals, and maintain overall water purity.

Testing Parameters Regularly

Even with a good water change routine, regular testing is crucial. Test your water parameters at least once a week, especially for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.

  • Ammonia & Nitrite: Should always be 0 ppm (parts per million). Any detectable levels indicate a problem with your biological filtration or overfeeding.
  • Nitrate: Keep below 20 ppm. Water changes are the primary way to control nitrates.

Consider adding a liquid test kit to your essential equipment. Strips can be less accurate.

Arowana Tank Mates and Social Dynamics

Choosing appropriate tank mates for an Arowana requires careful consideration. They are predatory and can be territorial. While some Arowanas can be kept in a community tank, it’s often best to keep them alone or with very carefully selected companions.

Compatibility Considerations

If you choose to introduce tank mates, consider these factors:

  • Size: Tank mates must be too large to be eaten by the Arowana, but not so large that they intimidate or injure it. Generally, fish that are at least two-thirds the size of the Arowana are a good starting point.
  • Temperament: Choose peaceful, robust fish that can hold their own without being aggressive towards the Arowana.
  • Swimming Level: Fish that occupy different levels of the water column (e.g., bottom dwellers) can sometimes coexist better.

Good potential tank mates (with caution): Large plecos, large datnoids, oscars (if tank is huge), large silver dollars, pacu (again, enormous tanks needed), and sometimes other Arowanas (in groups of 5+ in massive tanks to diffuse aggression, but this is for advanced keepers). Always introduce tank mates with caution and be prepared to separate if aggression occurs.

Avoid: Small fish (they will be eaten), highly aggressive fish, or fin-nippers.

Common Problems and Solutions for Arowana Keepers

Even with the best care, you might encounter some challenges. Being aware of common problems with how to keep arowana fish at home allows you to act quickly and effectively.

Dropeye

This condition, where one or both eyes sag downwards, is common in captive Arowanas. While not life-threatening, it detracts from their appearance.

  • Cause: Often linked to looking down at the tank bottom for food, or possibly genetics, diet, or tank decor.
  • Prevention/Solution: Feed floating foods, ensure a bare bottom or very dark substrate (to prevent reflections), and consider adding a floating ball or toy to encourage upward gaze.

Fin Rot and Other Diseases

Like all fish, Arowanas can suffer from bacterial or fungal infections, especially if water quality is poor or they are stressed.

  • Symptoms: Frayed fins, white spots (Ich), cottony growths.
  • Prevention: Maintain pristine water quality, provide a stable environment, and feed a nutritious diet to boost their immune system.
  • Treatment: Isolate affected fish if possible, identify the disease, and treat with appropriate aquarium medications following instructions carefully.

Jumping

As mentioned, Arowanas are powerful jumpers. This is a natural instinct, often triggered by stress, sudden movements, or poor water quality.

  • Prevention: A heavy, secure lid with no gaps is your best defense. Keep the environment calm and stable.

Aggression

Arowanas can be territorial, especially towards other Arowanas or fish that resemble them. Aggression is a common issue when keeping them with tank mates.

  • Prevention/Solution: Provide ample space, introduce tank mates carefully, and be prepared to separate aggressive individuals. Overstocking (in very large tanks) with similar-sized fish can sometimes diffuse aggression by spreading it out, but this is a risky strategy.

Remember, prevention through excellent husbandry is always better than treatment.

Sustainable Arowana Keeping: An Ethical Approach

As responsible aquarists, we have a role to play in promoting ethical and sustainable practices. This aspect of how to keep arowana fish at home is increasingly important.

Sourcing Your Arowana

Always seek out reputable breeders or dealers who can provide documentation for their fish, especially for Asian Arowanas, which are CITES-listed and require permits for legal trade.

  • Captive-Bred: Prioritize captive-bred Arowanas over wild-caught specimens to reduce pressure on wild populations and ensure healthier, less stressed fish.
  • Health Check: Observe the fish carefully before purchase. Look for clear eyes, intact fins, active swimming, and no signs of disease.

Long-Term Commitment

An Arowana is a long-term commitment. They can live for 15-20 years or even longer with proper care. Be prepared for the ongoing costs of a large tank, filtration, and food.

Consider the future: who will care for your Arowana if you move or can no longer keep it? Planning ahead is part of being an eco-friendly how to keep arowana fish at home enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Arowana Fish at Home

Let’s address some common queries you might have as you consider how to keep arowana fish at home tips.

How big do Arowanas get?

The size varies by species. Silver Arowanas (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) in captivity, while some Asian Arowana species (e.g., Red Tail Golden, Super Red) typically reach 2-2.5 feet (60-75 cm). Australian Arowanas (Scleropages jardinii) also grow quite large, around 2 feet.

How long do Arowanas live?

With optimal care, Arowanas are long-lived fish. They can live for 15-20 years, and some individuals have been known to live even longer, up to 25 years.

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

A 75-gallon tank is generally considered far too small for an adult Arowana. While a juvenile might temporarily reside there, you would need to upgrade to at least a 180-gallon tank, and preferably 200-300+ gallons, very quickly as they grow. Starting with a smaller tank will stunt their growth and compromise their health.

What are the benefits of keeping Arowana fish?

Beyond their stunning beauty, the benefits of how to keep arowana fish at home include their captivating presence, unique personalities, and the meditative joy of observing such a majestic creature. They can be very interactive pets, recognizing their owners and adding a dynamic focal point to any room. In some cultures, they are also believed to bring good fortune.

What are some how to keep arowana fish at home tips for beginners?

For beginners, the most important tips are: start with the largest tank you can afford and accommodate, invest in powerful filtration, commit to rigorous water changes, and research your chosen Arowana species thoroughly. Don’t rush into buying an Arowana until your tank is fully cycled and stable. Patience and consistent care are your best allies.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of keeping an Arowana is a significant undertaking, but one that promises immense rewards. By understanding their specific needs, investing in the right equipment, and committing to consistent care, you can provide a home where these magnificent “dragon fish” truly flourish.

Remember, the key to success lies in meticulous planning, unwavering dedication to water quality, and a diverse, nutritious diet. While they demand a higher level of commitment than many other aquarium fish, the sight of a healthy, vibrant Arowana gracefully navigating its custom-built habitat is a testament to your hard work and passion. Go forth, embrace the challenge, and enjoy the unparalleled beauty and majesty of your very own Arowana!

Howard Parker
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