How To Take Care Of A Arowana Fish – How To Take Care Of An Arowana Fish – The Ultimate Guide

Written ByHoward Parker

Dreaming of owning a magnificent Arowana? You’re not alone! These majestic “dragon fish” are truly captivating, renowned for their ancient lineage and striking presence. While their impressive size and unique needs might seem a bit daunting at first, I promise you, with the right knowledge, caring for an Arowana is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Don’t worry, fellow aquarist! This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for mastering how to take care of an Arowana fish. We’ll demystify their needs, share expert tips, and set you up for success. Consider this your essential Arowana fish care guide, packed with best practices.

From choosing the right tank and maintaining pristine water quality to understanding their carnivorous diet and preventing common health issues, we’ll cover everything you need. You’ll learn the ins and outs of sustainable Arowana care, ensuring your aquatic jewel thrives and becomes the stunning centerpiece of your home.

Understanding Your Arowana: The Majestic “Dragon Fish”

Before diving into the specifics of how to take care of an Arowana fish, let’s get to know these incredible creatures a little better. Arowanas are ancient freshwater fish, often called “dragon fish” due to their large, metallic scales and barbels resembling a dragon’s whiskers.

They are apex predators in their natural habitats across South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia, known for their powerful leaps to catch prey.

Species Overview & Temperament

There are several Arowana species, with Silver Arowanas (from South America) and Asian Arowanas (various subspecies like Red, Gold, Green) being the most common in the aquarium trade. Each has its unique coloration and temperament.

Generally, Arowanas are solitary, predatory, and can be territorial. While fascinating to watch, they are not typically “community fish” in the traditional sense, especially as they mature.

Lifespan and Growth Potential

Arowanas are long-term commitments. With proper care, they can live for 10-20 years, sometimes even longer! They also grow incredibly large, reaching lengths of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) or more, depending on the species.

This rapid growth and impressive size are crucial factors to consider when planning your aquarium setup and long-term care strategy.

Setting Up the Perfect Home: Arowana Tank Requirements

Providing an appropriate environment is the first and most critical step in how to take care of an Arowana fish. Their size, activity level, and predatory nature demand a specific setup.

Tank Size: Go Big or Go Home

This cannot be stressed enough: Arowanas need massive tanks. For a single adult Silver Arowana, a minimum of 250 gallons (950 liters) is recommended, but 300+ gallons is even better. For Asian Arowanas, due to their slightly less frantic swimming but still significant size, 150-200 gallons (570-760 liters) is a good starting point, though larger is always preferred.

The tank dimensions are more important than just volume. Aim for a tank that is at least 6-8 feet long, 2-3 feet wide, and 2-2.5 feet tall. This provides ample swimming space and allows them to turn comfortably.

Filtration: The Heart of the Aquarium

Arowanas are messy eaters and produce a significant bio-load. Therefore, robust filtration is non-negotiable. You’ll need multiple, powerful filters, often a combination of external canister filters and large hang-on-back (HOB) filters or even a sump system.

Focus on all three types of filtration: mechanical (to remove physical debris), biological (to convert ammonia and nitrite), and chemical (to remove dissolved organics and odors). Over-filtration is a good rule of thumb for Arowana tanks.

Substrate and Decor: Safety First

Keep the substrate simple. Fine sand or smooth, large gravel is suitable. Avoid sharp or abrasive substrates that could injure your Arowana’s delicate barbels or underside.

Decor should also prioritize safety and open swimming space. Smooth rocks, large pieces of driftwood, or sturdy artificial plants can be used, but ensure they are firmly anchored and have no sharp edges. Leave plenty of open space for your Arowana to swim freely.

A tight-fitting, heavy lid is absolutely essential. Arowanas are notorious jumpers, and even a small gap can lead to a tragic escape. Consider weighing down your lid or using clamps.

Lighting: Gentle Illumination

Arowanas don’t require intense lighting. Moderate lighting that mimics subdued natural conditions is usually best. LED lights are energy-efficient and can provide a pleasant glow.

Avoid harsh, direct light, which can stress the fish. A natural day/night cycle, typically 8-10 hours of light, is ideal.

Water Quality: The Foundation of Arowana Health

Pristine water quality is paramount for an Arowana’s health and vitality. This section of our how to take care of an Arowana fish care guide covers the vital aspects.

Temperature and pH: Stable is Key

Arowanas thrive in stable, warm water. Aim for a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C). A reliable heater, often multiple heaters for larger tanks, is necessary to maintain this stability.

The ideal pH range depends slightly on the species. Silver Arowanas prefer slightly acidic to neutral water (6.5-7.0), while Asian Arowanas often prefer slightly more acidic conditions (6.0-6.8). Stability is more important than hitting an exact number; avoid drastic fluctuations.

Water Changes: Your Most Important Task

Regular, significant water changes are crucial for diluting nitrates, replenishing essential minerals, and maintaining overall water quality. For large Arowana tanks, a 25-30% water change once or twice a week is often necessary.

Always use a good quality water conditioner to neutralize chlorine and chloramines in tap water. Match the temperature of the new water to the tank water to prevent shock.

Water Testing: Know Your Numbers

Consistent water testing allows you to monitor parameters and catch problems before they become serious. Invest in a reliable liquid-based test kit (not strips) for:

  • pH
  • Ammonia (should always be 0)
  • Nitrite (should always be 0)
  • Nitrate (keep below 20 ppm)
  • Temperature (monitor daily)

Regular testing is a key component of how to take care of an Arowana fish tips for maintaining a healthy environment.

Feeding Your Arowana: A Carnivore’s Delight

Arowanas are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must consist primarily of protein. Providing a varied, nutritious diet is vital for their growth, color, and overall health.

What to Feed: Variety is Best

A healthy Arowana diet should include a mix of:

  • High-quality Arowana pellets/sticks: These should form the staple, ensuring balanced nutrition.
  • Live foods: Crickets, mealworms, superworms, ghost shrimp, and feeder fish (use sparingly and from a reliable source to avoid disease transmission).
  • Frozen foods: Prawns, shrimp, silversides, krill, and various fish fillets (e.g., tilapia, cod) cut into bite-sized pieces.

Avoid fatty foods like mammalian meats. Always ensure any live feeder fish are healthy and quarantined to prevent introducing diseases.

Feeding Frequency and Portions

Young Arowanas (under 12 inches) should be fed 1-2 times a day, offering as much as they can consume in 2-3 minutes. As they grow larger, feeding can be reduced to once a day or even every other day.

Monitor your Arowana’s girth and activity. A healthy Arowana should be active and have a slightly rounded belly after feeding, but not distended.

Avoiding Overfeeding: A Common Pitfall

Overfeeding is a common problem with how to take care of an Arowana fish. It leads to poor water quality, digestive issues, and can even shorten their lifespan.

Only feed what your Arowana can eat quickly. Remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent it from decaying and fouling the water.

Health & Well-being: Common Problems and Prevention

Even with the best care, Arowanas can encounter health issues. Knowing the common problems with how to take care of an Arowana fish and how to prevent them is crucial for their long-term well-being.

Dropeye Syndrome: Causes and Mitigation

Dropeye is a common condition where one or both eyes turn downwards. It’s often attributed to Arowanas constantly looking down for food (if fed sinking pellets or live feeders) or reflections from the tank bottom/sides.

  • Prevention: Feed floating foods, avoid bottom feeders, and consider a dark substrate. Some aquarists use a ping-pong ball or floating object to keep their Arowana looking up.
  • Mitigation: While not life-threatening, it’s often irreversible. Surgical correction is an option but carries risks.

Fin Rot & Other Bacterial Issues

Fin rot, bacterial infections, and fungal issues are often symptoms of poor water quality or stress. Fins may appear clamped, frayed, or have white patches.

  • Prevention: Maintain pristine water parameters, perform regular water changes, and provide a low-stress environment.
  • Treatment: Isolate the fish if possible, improve water quality immediately, and use appropriate aquarium medications as directed by a vet or experienced aquarist.

Parasites: Watchful Eye

External parasites like Ich (white spot disease) or flukes can affect Arowanas, often introduced by new fish or live food. Symptoms include white spots, flashing against decor, and lethargy.

  • Prevention: Quarantine all new fish, thoroughly clean live foods, and maintain optimal water quality.
  • Treatment: Specific medications are available for various parasites. Always follow dosage instructions carefully.

Stress Reduction: Arowana Happiness

Stress weakens an Arowana’s immune system, making them susceptible to disease. Factors contributing to stress include:

  • Poor water quality
  • Inadequate tank size
  • Aggressive tank mates
  • Sudden changes in environment (e.g., light, temperature)
  • Loud noises or vibrations

By addressing these factors, you ensure your Arowana lives a happy, healthy life. This is a fundamental aspect of how to take care of an Arowana fish tips.

Advanced Arowana Care Tips & Best Practices

Beyond the basics, there are several advanced how to take care of an Arowana fish tips that can elevate your experience and ensure optimal health for your magnificent pet. These are the how to take care of an Arowana fish best practices we recommend.

Tank Mates: Proceed with Caution

Choosing tank mates for an Arowana is tricky. They are predatory and will eat anything that fits into their mouth. If you choose to house them with other fish, select large, robust, fast-swimming species that occupy different levels of the tank.

  • Good candidates (with caution): Large plecos, datnoids, large schooling tetras (e.g., Silver Dollars), large cichlids (e.g., Oscar, Green Terror, but watch for aggression).
  • Avoid: Small fish, slow-moving fish, or highly aggressive species that might injure your Arowana. Always introduce tank mates when the Arowana is still relatively young and monitor closely.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Practices

As responsible aquarists, we should consider the broader impact of our hobby. Practicing sustainable how to take care of an Arowana fish means making conscious choices.

  • Source responsibly: Purchase Arowanas from reputable breeders or suppliers who practice ethical and sustainable breeding methods. Avoid wild-caught specimens, especially endangered Asian Arowanas.
  • Reduce waste: Opt for reusable water change hoses and buckets. Dispose of aquarium waste responsibly.
  • Energy efficiency: Use energy-efficient heaters and LED lighting to reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Eco-friendly how to take care of an Arowana fish: Consider using natural filtration methods (like large sumps with refugiums) and minimize chemical usage where possible.

Handling Your Arowana: When and How

Arowanas are powerful and can be easily stressed. Avoid handling them unless absolutely necessary (e.g., for relocation or treatment). If you must, use a large, soft net or a plastic bag (for smaller fish) and work quickly and gently.

Always keep your hands wet to avoid damaging their protective slime coat. It’s often best to drain the tank significantly before attempting to catch a large Arowana to minimize stress and injury risk.

The Benefits of Arowana Ownership

Beyond the challenges, there are numerous benefits of how to take care of an Arowana fish that make the effort incredibly worthwhile.

A Stunning Centerpiece

An Arowana aquarium is undeniably a showstopper. Their graceful movements, shimmering scales, and powerful presence command attention, making them an unparalleled living centerpiece for any home or office.

Watching them hunt and interact with their environment is a truly mesmerizing experience that never gets old.

A Rewarding Journey

Caring for an Arowana is a journey of learning and dedication. The satisfaction of seeing your fish thrive, grow, and display its natural behaviors under your care is immensely rewarding.

They develop personalities, and many owners report their Arowanas recognizing them and even interacting. It’s a unique bond with a truly ancient and magnificent creature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arowana Care

How often should I feed my Arowana?

Young Arowanas (under 12 inches) should be fed once or twice daily. Adult Arowanas can be fed once a day or every other day. Always feed only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes, and remove uneaten food promptly.

Can Arowana live with other fish?

Arowanas are predatory and generally best kept alone. If you introduce tank mates, choose species that are significantly larger than your Arowana’s mouth, fast-moving, and occupy different parts of the tank. Monitor them closely for aggression.

What size tank does an Arowana need?

A single adult Silver Arowana requires a minimum of 250-300 gallons (950-1135 liters), with dimensions of at least 8x3x2.5 feet. Asian Arowanas may tolerate slightly smaller tanks (150-200 gallons) but larger is always better for their long-term health and well-being.

How do I prevent dropeye in my Arowana?

To help prevent dropeye, feed primarily floating foods, ensure a dark substrate, and consider placing a floating object (like a ping-pong ball) in the tank to encourage your Arowana to look upwards. Avoid feeding bottom-dwelling live foods.

Are Arowanas aggressive?

Arowanas can be territorial and predatory, especially towards smaller fish. While not always overtly aggressive towards fish too large to eat, they can be boisterous and may stress out other tank inhabitants. Their aggression levels can vary by individual and species.

Conclusion

Caring for an Arowana is a commitment, but one that promises years of fascination and beauty. By understanding their specific needs for space, pristine water, and a varied diet, you’re well on your way to mastering how to take care of an Arowana fish.

Remember, patience, observation, and consistent care are your greatest tools. Embrace the journey, enjoy the majestic presence of your “dragon fish,” and watch it thrive under your expert guardianship. Go forth, create an incredible aquatic habitat, and enjoy every moment with your magnificent Arowana!

Howard Parker
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