Magnificent and strong, Arowanas are a striking addition to any big aquarium. Some fish swim and some shimmer, but Arowanas glide as if it owns the water. 

If you’ve ever seen an Arowana, you know it doesn’t just exist in a tank; it commands it. With its metallic scales, prehistoric silhouette, and slow, deliberate movement, this fish feels less like a pet and more like a legend in motion.

So, if you are thinking about bringing an Arowana into your aquarium, then that’s not easy because this isn’t just another ornamental fish you add on impulse. An Arowana grows large, demands space, requires precise water conditions to stay healthy, and the right tank mates to stay happily. Also, let’s not forget about the right fish food for their natural development.

Here’s a quick guide to get you started if you are interested in adding an Arowana in your aquarium tank. 

Origin and Types of Arowana Fish

The freshwater Arowana fish, which belongs to the Osteoglossidae family, has been found all over the world, from South America to Asia, Africa, and Australia. The species has been around on Earth for at least 220 million years. Arowana fish are often sought after due to their association with good fortune, prosperity, and wealth. Arowana fish are often known for their unusual hues and types, such as: 

• The South American Native Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)
• South American native Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai)
• Originating in Australia, the Southern Saratoga (Scleropages leichardti)
• Australia is home to the Northern Saratoga (Scleropages jardinii).
• Throughout Asia, Asian Arowanas (Scleropages formosus) are present.
• Native to Myanmar, the Myanmar Arowana (Scleropages inscriptus)

For aquariums, Arowana species, like Silver, Black, Jardini, and Asian (Gold/Red), are suitable. However, this fish is only suited for hobbyists with experience in fish keeping. 

All You Need To Know About Arowana

• Arowanas can grow up to two inches per month during their first year. As they reach adulthood, they can reach a length of 3 feet or more. 
• Because of their large size, the aquarium needs at least 150 gallons of water for their accommodation. Also, they are more sensitive to nitrates than other fish, so regular partial water changes and water quality testing are required to ensure zero nitrite levels. 
• The 150-gallon tank should have an aquarium filter with a flow rate of at least 600 GPH (gallons per hour).
• Their lifespan is between 10 and 20+ years, with proper care and healthy fish food. 
• Arowanas use their long, whisker-like barbels near the bottom of their mouth to sense movement on the water surface. 
• Arowanas are powerful jumpers, especially when they are startled. So, it is better to have a tank with a well-fitted aquarium hood to prevent injury. 
• It is recommended to keep the tank away from direct sunlight, windows, and air conditioners, and kept in a quiet area of the home. 
• Their diet is mostly carnivorous, so the best fish food for them would be  high-protein items that mimic what they’d eat in the wild.

Golden Vs Silver Vs Albino Vs Red Arowana Fish: Basic Difference

Although they vary greatly in origin, rarity, size, and overall presence, all Arowana varieties possess the same predatory grace, with metallic scales that change from flaming red to liquid silver and a surface-built mouth intended for quick strikes.

Feature	Golden Arowana	Silver Arowana	Albino Arowana	Red Arowana
Differentiator	Metallic gold scales	Shiny silver body	White to pale pink	Deep red to crimson
Cost	High	Low	Very high	Highest
Rarity	Rare	Common	Very rare	Extremely rare
Light Sensitivity	Normal	Normal	Very sensitive	Normal
Colour Development	Improves with age	Stays consistent	Limited pigmentation	Develops slowly with maturity

Introducing Safe Companions: Which Tank Mates To Add?

Large, strong tankmates who can hold their ground without starting a fight are perfect for Arowanas. Selecting the proper companions keeps the aquarium stable, lowers stress, and deters violence. Here are some trustworthy choices to think about.

1. Silver Dollar Fish

These are calm schooling fish that maintain an active lifestyle and swim at a mid-level. Their speed lowers the chance of an attack. For their confidence and natural behaviour in big tanks, keep them in groups of five or more.

2. The Bichirs

Bichirs are ancient fish that live on the bottom and stay away from Arowanas. In big community tanks with peaceful setups, their armour-like scales and thick bodies make them less likely to be perceived as prey.

3. Oscar Fish

Large, resilient cichlids can resist Arowanas. It is best to keep Oscars alone because, in shared giant fish tanks, several Oscars may eventually become territorial and upset the tank equilibrium. 

4. The Tiger Fish, or Datnoids

Coexisting with Arowanas in large tanks are robust, slow-growing tiger fish. Avoid small juveniles because larger, more aggressive tank mates may misinterpret them for food.

5. Clown Knifefish 

Fish that live in the bottom and mid-level zones are peaceful and nocturnal. For them to live peacefully with Arowanas without experiencing stress, rivalry, or problems with territorial behaviour, they require extremely large tanks and hiding places.

6. Parrot Fish

Hybrids that are semi-aggressive have vivid hues that enhance their visual attractiveness, but in order to lessen stress and prevent unwarranted violence between huge fish, they require room and steady tank conditions.

7. The stingray

Freshwater stingrays that live on the bottom and get along nicely with Arowanas. To live safely and contentedly with giant predatory tank mates over the long term, they need very large tanks, soft substrate, and high water quality. However, sting rays are expensive to keep and require lots of maintenance. So, if you are an experienced aquarist, have a large aquarium or pond, and adequate filtration, then only consider adding a stingray. 

Setting Up The Right Arowana Fish Tank: Tips and Tricks

Arowanas are best suited for hobbyists who have prior experience keeping fish because of their size and reputation as aggressive fish. Because arowanas are more susceptible to nitrates than other fish species, pet owners must assess the water quality in their aquarium and do partial water changes to keep the nitrite level near zero. 

Here are a  few other tips that will help you take care of Arowanas, irrespective of their type:

• Tank size: Silver Arowanas need a huge tank that is at least 6 feet long because they can grow to be more than 3 feet long. Additionally, the tank needs to be deep enough for the fish to swim vertically.
• Water quality: Clean, well-filtered water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit is necessary for Silver Arowanas. Maintaining water quality requires appropriate filtration and routine water changes.
• Lighting: Low to medium lighting levels are ideal for silver arowanas. The light that the tank and the plants require can be supplied by a fluorescent lamp.
• Tank decoration: Most Arowanas require a tank that is well-planted and has lots of hiding spots. They also like to relax on big, flat rocks or driftwood.
• Diet: Due to their omnivorous nature, arowanas can be given a variety of foods, including frozen, live, and pelleted foods. To provide a balanced diet, supply a range of food, such as feeder fish, crickets, worms, and shrimp.

What To Feed Your Arowana: A Brief Meal Guide

Since Arowanas are carnivores, a healthy diet for them includes:

• Floating sticks are the best fish food for predatory fish that feed on the surface. These small floating sticks are made with 44% protein with high-quality ingredients, like Antarctic Krill, squid meal, and Astaxanthin. It can be used as a live food replacement. 
• Live, frozen, or freeze-dried shrimp, krill, worms, fish, and insects. You should steer clear of insects or invertebrates with sharp or extremely hard shells if you have a young Arowana.

When feeding your arowana, keep the following in mind:

• These fish often glide just below the water's surface since they are surface feeders.
• Feed adults once a day and juveniles two to three times daily; only give them Arowana fish food that they can consume in one to two minutes.
• Before feeding, thaw frozen foods.

Summing Up

For aquarists, caring for giant fish like the stingray and arowana can be an exciting experience. These magnificent animals enthral with their size, distinctive forms, and actions. However, their care demands specialised expertise and dedication.

Together with compatible tank mates, your Arowana can flourish with the correct care, consistent upkeep, and appropriate diet. With Intan's wholesome Arowana fish food, which is designed for long-term health, you can support their development, colour, and vitality. Explore today!

FAQs

1. Why are Arowana referred to as a "living fossil"?

Arowanas haven't changed much in their millions of years of existence. Their surface-feeding strategy and body shape are ancient characteristics that continue to be effective now.

2. Is owning an Asian Arowana legal in India?

Yes, but only if it is a certified captive-bred specimen with valid CITES documentation because it is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. You don’t need any specific certificates to own common species of Arowana, like Silver Arowana. 

3. Why do Arowanas differ so greatly in colour quality?

Colour is influenced by water quality, nutrition, lighting, and genetics. It takes years for premium hues to develop fully.

4. Would an arowana make a suitable first pet fish?

Not at all. They require time, space, and experience. This is not an impulsive purchase; it's a commitment fish.

5. Are arowanas suitable pets?

Only knowledgeable fish keepers should keep arowanas. In addition to being costly to acquire and maintain, they are challenging to shelter, feed, and care for. 

6. Are Arowanas aggressive?

Yes. Arowanas have been known to bite owners who put their arms in the fish's habitat, and some of them will not put up with other fish in their tanks.