What To Feed Arowana Fish – The Ultimate Guide For Health & Vibrancy

Written ByHoward Parker

So, you’ve brought home one of the aquarium world’s most magnificent jewels: an Arowana! These prehistoric beauties, with their shimmering scales and regal presence, are truly captivating. But as any aspiring Arowana keeper quickly realizes, ensuring their long-term health and vibrant color starts with one crucial question: what to feed arowana fish?

Don’t worry, my friend. While their dietary needs might seem a bit daunting at first, feeding your Arowana doesn’t have to be a mystery. In fact, with the right knowledge and a little planning, you can easily provide a diet that helps your majestic fish thrive.

This comprehensive guide will demystify everything you need to know about Arowana nutrition. We’ll dive deep into the best food choices, optimal feeding schedules, common pitfalls to avoid, and even sustainable practices. By the end, you’ll have all the expert insights to confidently provide a diet that fosters incredible growth, stunning coloration, and a long, healthy life for your prized Arowana.

Let’s unlock the secrets to a truly thriving Arowana together!

Understanding Your Arowana’s Natural Diet: A Foundation for Success

To truly master what to feed arowana fish, it helps to understand their natural instincts. In the wild, Arowanas are apex predators, often found in slow-moving rivers and floodplains across South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

Their diet primarily consists of insects, small fish, crustaceans, and even small amphibians or reptiles that venture too close to the water’s surface. They are opportunistic feeders, known for their incredible jumping ability to snatch prey from overhanging branches.

This predatory nature means their digestive system is designed for a high-protein, varied diet. Replicating this diversity in your home aquarium is paramount for their overall health, growth, and vibrant appearance.

The Core of What to Feed Arowana Fish: Diverse & Nutritious Options

Variety isn’t just the spice of life for us; it’s absolutely essential for your Arowana. A monotonous diet, even if seemingly “complete,” can lead to nutritional deficiencies and a less vibrant fish.

Let’s explore the best categories of food to include in your Arowana’s diet, offering a complete guide to their nutritional needs.

Live Foods: The Natural Choice (with caveats)

Live foods often elicit the strongest feeding response from Arowanas, mimicking their natural hunting behavior. However, they come with certain risks that need careful management.

  • Insects: Crickets, mealworms, superworms, and dubia roaches are excellent choices. They are high in protein and readily accepted. Always gut-load them with nutritious vegetables and supplements before feeding to your Arowana.
  • Feeder Fish: Small live fish like guppies, mollies, and platies can be offered. However, this is where caution is crucial. Feeder fish often carry parasites and diseases that can be transferred to your Arowana.
  • Shrimp: Ghost shrimp or river shrimp are great options. They offer good protein and are usually clean if sourced from a reputable dealer.

Pro Tip: If you choose to feed live feeder fish, consider setting up a quarantine tank for them for at least a week. Feed them high-quality flakes and observe for any signs of illness before introducing them to your Arowana’s tank. This significantly reduces the risk of disease, a common problem with what to feed arowana fish.

Frozen & Freeze-Dried Foods: Convenience Meets Nutrition

These options offer many of the nutritional benefits of live foods without the associated disease risks. They are a staple for many experienced Arowana keepers.

  • Frozen Bloodworms: A popular treat, especially for younger Arowanas. They are rich in protein and readily accepted.
  • Frozen Krill: Excellent for enhancing color due to their high astaxanthin content. A fantastic addition to any Arowana’s diet.
  • Frozen Silversides & Mysis Shrimp: These are whole, small fish and shrimp that offer a balanced nutritional profile. Ensure they are marine-sourced to avoid freshwater parasites.
  • Freeze-Dried Options: Offer similar benefits to frozen but are even more convenient. Always ensure they are high-quality and free from artificial additives.

Always thaw frozen foods thoroughly in a small amount of tank water before feeding. Never feed directly from the freezer, as this can cause digestive issues for your fish.

Pellets & Sticks: The Staple for a Balanced Diet

High-quality Arowana-specific pellets or sticks should form the foundation of your fish’s diet. They are formulated to provide a complete and balanced nutritional profile, often fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Look for pellets that are:

  • High in Protein: At least 40-50% protein, ideally from fish meal or shrimp meal.
  • Low in Fillers: Avoid brands with excessive plant matter or binders.
  • Fortified: Containing essential vitamins (especially Vitamin A and D) and minerals.
  • Sinking or Floating: Depending on your Arowana’s preference, though many prefer floating.

Introducing pellets early in an Arowana’s life makes them more accepting. If your Arowana is resistant, try mixing pellets with a favored live or frozen food to encourage acceptance. This is a key part of what to feed arowana fish best practices.

Occasional Treats & Supplements: Enhancing Color & Health

Beyond the core diet, certain items can be offered as occasional treats or supplements to boost overall health and vibrancy.

  • Market Shrimp: Peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces, these are a fantastic source of protein and color-enhancing compounds. Ensure they are fresh and uncooked.
  • Lean Fish Fillets: Small pieces of cod, tilapia, or salmon (skinless, boneless) can be offered sparingly. Avoid fatty fish like tuna.
  • Vitamin Supplements: A liquid vitamin supplement designed for fish can be added to their food periodically, especially if you suspect any deficiencies or during times of stress. Consult your local fish store expert for recommendations.

Crafting the Perfect Feeding Schedule: How to What to Feed Arowana Fish

Knowing what to feed is only half the battle; understanding how and when to feed is equally critical. The ideal feeding schedule varies significantly with your Arowana’s age and size.

Juvenile Arowanas: Fueling Rapid Growth

Young Arowanas (under 10-12 inches) are growing rapidly and have a higher metabolism. They require more frequent meals to support this growth.

  • Frequency: 2-3 times a day.
  • Portion Size: Feed only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
  • Diet Focus: A mix of small live insects, frozen bloodworms, and high-quality small pellets.

Consistent feeding during this stage is vital for developing strong bones and muscles, setting the stage for a healthy adult fish. This is a core part of your what to feed arowana fish care guide.

Adult Arowanas: Maintaining Peak Condition

Once your Arowana reaches maturity (over 12 inches), their growth slows, and their metabolism stabilizes. Overfeeding an adult Arowana can lead to obesity and health problems.

  • Frequency: 1-2 times a day, or even every other day for very large adults.
  • Portion Size: Feed enough so their belly is slightly rounded but not distended. Again, aim for consumption within 5 minutes.
  • Diet Focus: Larger pellets/sticks, frozen krill/silversides, larger insects (superworms), and occasional market shrimp.

Portion Control & Observation: Your Best Tools

Always err on the side of underfeeding rather than overfeeding. Excess food not only contributes to obesity in your Arowana but also quickly fouls the tank water, leading to poor water quality and potential health issues.

Observe your Arowana closely during feeding. Are they eager? Do they eat everything quickly? If food remains after a few minutes, you’re likely feeding too much. Promptly remove any uneaten food to maintain pristine water conditions.

Expert Insight: Many experienced aquarists advocate for a “fasting day” once a week for adult Arowanas. This can aid digestion and prevent overeating, mimicking periods of less plentiful food in the wild.

Common Pitfalls and Solutions: Avoiding What to Feed Arowana Fish Problems

Even with the best intentions, aquarists can encounter challenges when feeding Arowanas. Understanding these common problems can help you proactively prevent or quickly address them.

“Droopy Eye” Syndrome: A Dietary Connection?

One of the most talked-about issues with Arowanas is “droopy eye,” where one or both eyes appear to sag downwards. While its exact cause is debated, a leading theory points to diet and tank setup.

Solution: Many believe a diet too rich in floating foods, which encourages the Arowana to constantly look up, combined with excessive fatty foods (like cheap feeder fish or fatty meats), can contribute. Focus on a varied diet with some sinking or mid-water foods. Ensure your tank setup encourages horizontal swimming and provides visual stimulation at eye level, not just above.

Fin Rot & Disease: Impact of Poor Nutrition

A diet lacking essential nutrients can weaken your Arowana’s immune system, making it more susceptible to common diseases like fin rot, bacterial infections, and parasites.

Solution: Emphasize variety and high-quality, fortified foods. Ensure you’re not solely relying on one type of food. Regularly supplement with foods rich in vitamins and minerals, like krill and high-quality pellets, to bolster their natural defenses. Good what to feed arowana fish tips include careful sourcing of live food.

Overfeeding & Water Quality Issues

This is perhaps the most common mistake. Overfeeding not only leads to an overweight fish but also introduces excess organic waste into the water, spiking ammonia and nitrite levels.

Solution: Stick to strict portion control and feeding schedules. Remove any uneaten food promptly. Regular water changes and a robust filtration system are crucial backups, but prevention through proper feeding is always best. A healthy feeding regimen is a cornerstone of your what to feed arowana fish care guide.

Picky Eaters: What to Do When They Refuse Food

Arowanas can sometimes be stubborn, especially when trying to introduce new foods or after a stressful event (like a tank move).

Solution: Try offering new foods sparingly at first, mixed with a favored item. Fasting your Arowana for a day or two can sometimes make them more receptive to new offerings. Ensure water parameters are perfect, as poor water quality can suppress appetite. Patience is key!

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Feeding Choices for Your Arowana

As responsible aquarists, considering the environmental impact of our choices is increasingly important. This extends to sustainable what to feed arowana fish options.

  • Cultivate Your Own: Breeding your own feeder insects (like crickets or dubia roaches) is a fantastic eco-friendly what to feed arowana fish strategy. It ensures a constant, clean, and nutritious supply while reducing reliance on potentially unsustainably sourced live foods.
  • Responsible Sourcing: When purchasing live or frozen foods, choose reputable suppliers who prioritize sustainable harvesting practices. For instance, look for krill that is certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
  • Reduce Wild-Caught Feeder Fish: Minimize your use of wild-caught feeder fish, as their collection can impact local ecosystems and they often carry a higher disease risk. Opt for commercially bred options or, better yet, cultured insects and high-quality pellets.

Your Arowana Feeding Care Guide: Best Practices for Long-Term Health

Bringing all these elements together forms a robust strategy for feeding your Arowana. Here are some overarching best practices:

  1. Embrace Diversity: Never rely on just one food source. A varied diet is the single most important factor for long-term health, color, and vitality.
  2. Quality Over Quantity: Always choose high-quality foods. Cheaper options often mean less nutrition and more fillers, which can lead to health issues down the line.
  3. Observe and Adjust: Every Arowana is an individual. Pay close attention to your fish’s appetite, energy levels, and waste production. Adjust your feeding schedule and food types as needed.
  4. Maintain Water Quality: Feeding and water quality are intrinsically linked. A proper diet minimizes waste, but regular water changes and robust filtration remain essential.
  5. Quarantine New Live Foods: If you use live feeder fish, always quarantine them to prevent introducing diseases into your main tank.
  6. Avoid Human Foods (Mostly): While some lean fish or shrimp are okay as treats, avoid processed human foods, sugary items, or anything seasoned.

Following this comprehensive what to feed arowana fish guide will equip you with the knowledge to provide truly exceptional care.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Feed Arowana Fish

Here are some common questions we hear from Arowana enthusiasts:

How often should I feed a juvenile Arowana?

Juvenile Arowanas (under 10-12 inches) should be fed 2-3 times a day. Their rapid growth and high metabolism require more frequent, smaller meals to ensure they get enough nutrients.

Can I feed my Arowana goldfish?

While Arowanas will readily eat goldfish, it’s generally not recommended. Goldfish are often high in fat and contain thiaminase, an enzyme that can break down Vitamin B1 (thiamine), potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies in your Arowana. Furthermore, feeder goldfish are notorious carriers of parasites and diseases.

What causes “droopy eye” in Arowanas, and can diet prevent it?

The exact cause of “droopy eye” is still debated. Theories include genetics, a diet too rich in floating foods (causing the fish to constantly look up), and excessive fat in the diet. A varied diet that includes some sinking foods, alongside proper tank setup that encourages horizontal viewing, is often recommended as a preventative measure.

My Arowana isn’t eating, what should I do?

First, check your water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature) to ensure they are optimal. Poor water quality is a common cause of appetite loss. Stress, a new environment, or illness can also lead to refusal of food. Try offering a favored food item, consider a short fast, and ensure the tank environment is calm and stable. If refusal persists, consult a fish veterinarian or experienced aquarist.

Are Arowana pellets enough for a complete diet?

While high-quality Arowana pellets are formulated to be nutritionally complete, relying solely on them isn’t ideal for the long-term health and vibrancy of your Arowana. A diverse diet incorporating a variety of live, frozen, and freeze-dried foods alongside pellets provides a broader spectrum of nutrients, enhances color, and offers mental stimulation through varied textures and hunting opportunities.

Conclusion

Mastering what to feed arowana fish is a cornerstone of responsible Arowana keeping. By providing a diverse, high-quality, and appropriately scheduled diet, you’re not just feeding a fish; you’re investing in its health, vitality, and stunning beauty.

Remember to prioritize variety, observe your fish’s individual needs, and always strive for the best quality ingredients. With these expert tips and a little dedication, your magnificent Arowana will reward you with years of awe-inspiring presence in your home aquarium.

Go forth, build that perfect feeding regimen, and watch your Arowana truly flourish!

Howard Parker
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