No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Arowana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
📍 South America
The Silver Arowana is a large, elegant freshwater fish known for its distinctive barbels and silver coloration. These powerful jumpers are prized by aquarists for their impressive size and graceful swimming behavior. They require spacious tanks and are best suited for experienced hobbyists due to their size and specific care requirements.
Care Guide
Diet
Arowanas are carnivorous and require a diet of live or frozen foods such as feeder fish, shrimp, insects, and specialized pellets designed for large carnivorous fish. Feed juveniles 2-3 times daily and adults once daily. Vary their diet to ensure proper nutrition and maintain their vibrant coloration.
Behavior
Arowanas are active surface feeders that spend most of their time in the upper water column. They are known for their jumping ability and require tight-fitting tank covers. These fish can be territorial and may exhibit aggressive behavior toward smaller tank mates, though they generally tolerate similarly-sized peaceful species.
Breeding
Breeding Arowanas in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely successful. They are mouthbrooders that require very large tanks, specific water conditions, and compatible pairs. Most captive-bred specimens available in the hobby come from specialized breeding facilities in Asia.
Tank Mates
Similar size and temperament; both require large tanks and can coexist peacefully
Can work in very large tanks but may compete for space; monitor for aggression
Both are large and semi-aggressive; only suitable in very spacious tanks with careful monitoring
Similar size requirements but both are predatory; risk of predation on smaller fish
Discus prefer different water conditions and may be intimidated by Arowana's aggressive feeding
Common Diseases
Columnaris
White or grayish patches on body and fins, lethargy, loss of appetite, frayed fins
Increase water temperature to 28-30°C, perform frequent water changes, use antibacterial medications like tetracycline or copper-free treatments
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, excessive scratching against tank surfaces, rapid breathing
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, use ich-specific medications, perform daily water changes, ensure good filtration and aeration
Dropsy
Swollen abdomen, scales standing out like a pinecone, lethargy, loss of appetite
Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, use antibacterial medications, improve water quality and reduce stress
Fin Rot
Deterioration and fraying of fins, discoloration at fin edges, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality through frequent changes, use antibacterial medications, remove sharp decorations, ensure proper tank maintenance
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Arowana to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - feeds on live and frozen foods including fish, shrimp, and insects
- lifespan
- 15-20 years
- max size
- 90 cm (36 in)
- tank size
- 250 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 5-12 dGH
- temperature
- 75–86°F (24–30°C)