The Ultimate Guide to Feeding Arowana Fish: Tips and Best Practices
Arowana fish, with their mesmerizing beauty and graceful movements, are highly sought after by aquarium enthusiasts. These magnificent creatures are known for their unique appearance and distinct behaviours, making them a prized addition to any aquatic setup. To ensure the health and well-being of your Arowana, it's essential to understand their dietary requirements and feeding habits. In this guide, we'll walk you through the ins and outs of feeding Arowana fish.
Understanding Arowana Diet
Arowanas are carnivorous predators in the wild, and replicating their natural diet is crucial for their overall health and vitality. In their natural habitat, they feed on a variety of live prey, including insects, small fish, crustaceans, and even smaller aquatic animals. To mimic this diet, it's important to provide them with high-quality protein-rich foods.
- Choose the Right Food
When it comes to feeding your Arowana, you have several options:
Live Food:
Live food like feeder fish, crickets, earthworms, and shrimp can be offered as occasional treats. They closely resemble the Arowana's natural diet and can stimulate their hunting instincts.
Frozen Food:
Frozen foods such as frozen fish, shrimp, and bloodworms are readily available and provide a convenient alternative to live food. They retain much of their nutritional value and are safer in terms of potential disease transmission.
Pellets and Granules:
Specially formulated Arowana pellets and granules are designed to provide a balanced diet. Look for high-quality brands that list whole fish or other protein sources as the primary ingredients. These foods often contain essential vitamins and minerals that support the fish's health.
- Feeding Frequency and Quantity
Arowanas are known for their hearty appetites, but overfeeding can lead to health issues like obesity and water quality problems. It's generally recommended to feed adult Arowanas 2-3 times a day, while younger Arowanas might require more frequent feedings.
Monitor your fish's behaviour and adjust the feeding frequency accordingly. If they're not consuming the food within a few minutes, you might be overfeeding. A good rule of thumb is to give them an amount of food that they can finish in about 5 minutes.
- Avoid Malnutrition
While Arowanas have a voracious appetite, it's important to ensure they receive a balanced diet. Offering a variety of foods ensures that they receive the necessary nutrients. Rotating between live, frozen, and pellet foods can help prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- Proper Feeding Techniques
Feeding time can be an exciting interaction between you and your Arowana. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
Feed During Active Hours: Arowanas are more active during the day, so it's best to feed them during daylight hours. This allows them to digest the food more efficiently.
Use Feeding Tools: To prevent your Arowana from associating your hand with food, use feeding tongs or a feeding ring. This reduces the risk of accidental bites during feeding.
Monitor Behavior: Keep an eye on your Arowana's behaviour after feeding. If they show signs of discomfort or bloating, adjust their diet or feeding frequency.
- Maintain Water Quality
Proper aquarium maintenance is closely linked to your Arowana's health. Uneaten food can quickly degrade water quality, leading to problems like ammonia spikes and bacterial growth. Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Can we feed Arowana daily?
Feeding your Arowana fish involves more than just offering them food; it's about understanding their natural diet, behaviour, and specific needs. By providing a varied and balanced diet, maintaining feeding consistency, and ensuring a clean environment, you'll be well on your way to keeping your Arowana fish happy and thriving. Remember, a well-fed Arowana is a stunning centrepiece in any aquarium, showcasing its vibrant colours and majestic movements for you and your guests to enjoy. With the help of Intan Aquarium Feeds, your Small Arowana (below 6 inches) should be fed three times a day, medium Arowana (6 inches to 14 inches) twice a day, and large Arowana (above 14 inches) once a day or alternate day.
At Intan, we are here to provide you with premium fish feed. Our feed is tailored to meet the specific needs of each species. We truly believe every feed can spark positive change and create a future promoting quality, resilience, and well-being. We aim to serve the needs of hobbyists and breeders for the best quality of each species’ unique requirements. To know more about us, check out our Instagram page or your can find us at our nearest outspot.
We are not just a brand; we are stewards of the underwater world. We believe in the well-being of our finned friends and their mental health. Understanding and addressing the stressors that affect fish is not just a concept for us, it's a commitment. Through our dedication to research and innovative products, we aim to ensure that fish everywhere can lead happier, healthier lives.