Mastering methods to maintain arowana fish or any aquarium global’s most luxurious creatures. Our finished booklet covers every part from tank necessities and feeding schedules to ailment prevention and breeding approaches, guaranteeing your arowana thrives in captivity whilst holding its regal elegance and shiny wellbeing and fitness. Keeping an arowana fish represents one in every of aquaculture’s maximum beneficial demanding situations. These old predators, normally referred to as dragon fish, command awareness with their steel scales and swish moves. Yet their care calls for precision, patience, and a exact dedication to growing an environment the place these awesome creatures can flourish.
The tour to triumphant arowana keeping begins with knowledge that those are usually not novice fish. Their really extensive length, definite environmental wishes, and touchy nature require skilled arms. According to PetMD’s research, arowanas can develop up to two inches in line with month all over their first 12 months, a increase fee that catches many unprepared keepers off guard.
Understanding Arowana Fish Biology
Before constructing any gadget, seize what makes those fish pleasing. Arowanas belong to the Osteoglossidae domestic, an historical lineage that has survived for millions of years. Their elongated bodies, protected in enormous steel scales, serve the two aesthetic and simple functions. The special upturned mouth and lengthy barbels near their curb jaw assistance them detect stream on the water’s floor, where they certainly hunt.
These surface feeders own a completely unique bony tongue structure that enables weigh down prey. Biology Dictionary notes that this model enables them to devour greater prey units than you would possibly expect for their jaw size. In their usual habitat throughout South America, Asia, Australia, and Africa, they inhabit gradual-relocating waters, flooded forests, and river tributaries the place they will patrol the higher water column.
The National Zoo’s observations spotlight their terrific jumping potential. Wild arowanas incessantly soar from the water to grab insects, small birds, or even bats from low-hanging branches. This behaviour has earned them yet one more nickname: water monkeys.
How to Care for Arowana Fish
How to Care for Arowana FishEssential Tank Setup Requirements
Tank Size and DimensionsSpace subjects dramatically for arowana wellbeing and fitness. Juveniles may live on temporarily in smaller environments, yet planning for grownup measurement prevents destiny issues and rigidity-related well-being matters.
Fish Size Minimum Tank Volume Recommended Dimensions
Juvenile (4-8 inches) 60 gallons four toes x 1.five ft x 1.5 feetSub-adult (8-16 inches) 150 gallons 5 feet x 2 ft x 2 ft
Adult Silver Arowana 250-three hundred gallons 6 toes x 2.five ft x 2.5 ftAdult Asian/Australian 220 gallons minimum 6 feet x 2 toes x 2 feet
Large Adult (24+ inches) 400-800 gallons 8 ft x three toes x 3 toesThe Smithsonian’s Living Planet Aquarium emphasizes that horizontal swimming house matters greater than tank height. These fish patrol territories horizontally, so size and width take priority over depth.
Glass thickness should not be compromised. Arowanas generate substantive power, and tanks with glass thinner than part an inch danger catastrophic failure. We counsel official-grade aquariums constructed specially for monster fish, and the tank stand must improve the considerable weight concerned.
Water Parameters and Quality
Maintaining strong water conditions separates valuable keepers from folks who combat with regular health and wellbeing disorders. Research from aquarium experts confirms that parameter stability subjects extra than hitting genuine numbers.Critical Water Parameters:
Temperature: 75-86°F (24-30°C)
pH Level: 6.0-7.5 (delicate to somewhat acidic)
Ammonia: zero ppm (clearly relevant)Nitrite: zero ppm (equally principal)
Nitrate: Below 20 ppm (lessen is more suitable)Water Hardness: 5-12 dGH
Arowanas teach exact sensitivity to nitrates, not like many different mammoth fish. Weekly partial water modifications of 25-30% assistance handle gold standard circumstances. Some skilled keepers function smaller day-to-day modifications, which creates even more sturdy situations.Investment in caliber check kits can pay dividends. The API Master Test Kit or comparable merchandise allow excellent tracking of those parameters. Digital thermometers give more safe readings than stick-on versions.
Filtration and Circulation
These fish produce large waste, making physically powerful filtration non-negotiable. Your filter equipment needs to job the entire tank amount at the very least four instances hourly. For a 250-gallon tank, intention for filters rated at 1,000 gallons consistent with hour minimal.
Recommended Filtration Options:
External canister filters (FX6, Eheim 2260)
Sump filtration methodsMultiple hang-on-returned continual filters
Custom wet/dry trickle platformsAquarium Store instruction suggests combining mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration tactics. Mechanical filtration removes particulate be counted, organic filtration procedures ammonia and nitrites via constructive micro organism colonies, at the same time as chemical filtration (activated carbon) removes dissolved natural compounds and odours.
Water movement must create moderate to good contemporary with out creating areas where your arowana struggles to swim. Position filter outflows to generate circular flow styles that mimic river currents.
Lighting and Tank Placement
Position your aquarium in a quiet vicinity faraway from direct sunlight, home windows, and excessive-visitors zones. According to PetMD’s care research, arowanas startle truthfully, and unexpected moves or bright lights trigger pressure responses.Lighting serves two purchase Platinum Arowana reasons: viewing your fish and doubtlessly modifying coloration. Standard aquarium lighting fixtures work satisfactory for silver arowanas and maximum species. However, keepers of pink or golden kinds generally use specialized tanning lighting fixtures to accentuate coloration. Keep photoperiods regular at 10-12 hours every single day.
Tank Lid and Safety
Never underestimate arowana leaping talent. These fish can clear numerous feet when startled or searching. A risk-free, fitted lid with no gaps prevents injuries and escapes. Some keepers use netting or acrylic covers, yet something methodology you desire, be sure accomplished insurance with adequate air flow.
Feeding Your Arowana: Nutrition and Diet
Understanding Dietary NeedsCarnivorous arowanas require prime-protein diets rich in necessary vitamins and minerals. In nature, they eat bugs, smaller fish, crustaceans, and occasionally small reptiles or amphibians. Captive diets ought to reflect this style whilst ensuring balanced vitamins.
Feeding analyze from MonsterFishKeepers demonstrates that range prevents nutritional deficiencies. Relying exclusively on one food sort, even if convenient, creates wellness troubles over time.
Primary Food Sources
High-Quality Pellets and SticksSpecially formulated arowana pellets or sticks (Hikari Massivore, Omega One Super Color) may want to type the foundation. These involve balanced proteins, nutrients, and minerals. Look for items directory entire fish or fish meal as popular components.
Live Foods
Market Prawns: Excellent protein resource and pure color enhancer. Feed entire with shells for larger fish, do away with shells for juveniles.
Crickets: Stimulate looking instincts, top protein content.
Mealworms and Superworms: Convenient, protein-wealthy, yet tremendously excessive in fat.Earthworms: Highly nutritious while intestine-loaded with high-quality delicacies.
Small Fish: Guppies, rosy red minnows (stay away from overfeeding goldfish by means of top fat content material).Grasshoppers: Low fat, high protein choice for adults.
Frozen FoodsFrozen market shrimp, krill, fish fillets, and bloodworms grant comfort with remarkable nutritional magnitude. Thaw utterly beforehand feeding and eradicate any uneaten quantities directly.
Feeding Schedule and Portions
Age and length decide feeding frequency. According to hygger’s dietary research, juveniles desire more popular nutrition to beef up fast increase:
Juvenile Arowanas (Under one year):
Feed 2-3 times day-after-day
Small pieces consumed inside 2-three minsFocus on boom-supporting ingredients
Adult Arowanas (Over yr):Feed as soon as on a daily basis or each and every different day
Larger portions consumed inside five mins
Consider occasional fasting daysOverfeeding causes more complications than underfeeding. Obesity, swim bladder themes, and water caliber degradation all stem from immoderate feeding. Monitor your fish’s frame circumstance and modify in this case.
Foods to Avoid or Limit
While arowanas eat very nearly whatever thing, specific ingredients require caution:Goldfish: High fat content Buy Silver Arowana Fish Online makes them flawed as staples
Mammalian meat: Difficult to digest, can rationale bloating
Fatty insects: Limit waxworms and other top-fat alternate optionsSharp-edged meals: Remove shrimp head equipment to save you intestinal harm
Common Health Issues and Disease PreventionPreventive Care Fundamentals
Prevention beats therapy whenever. Health investigation documented by way of hygger presentations that so much arowana ailments stem from deficient water pleasant, strain, or nutritional deficiencies.Prevention Strategies:
Maintain pristine water circumstances
Quarantine new tank buddies for 2-three weeks
Provide distinctive, nutritious food planMinimize dealing with and sudden environmental variations
Use quality filtration techniquesPerform established water trying out
White Spot Disease (Ich)Perhaps the most everyday parasitic illness, ich manifests as small white spots across the body and fins. Fish contaminated with ich oftentimes scratch towards tank surfaces and tutor decreased urge for food.
Treatment Protocol:
Gradually enhance temperature to twenty-eight-30°C (if species tolerates)
Add ich therapy (malachite green or copper-established treatment plans)Increase aeration
Perform 25% water differences every 2-three daysContinue medical care for complete cycle (10-14 days)
Bacterial InfectionsBacterial infections look as fin rot, physique lesions, discolouration, or lethargy. According to fishkeeping studies, poor water nice right now triggers these prerequisites.
Treatment Approach:
Improve water great straight
Add aquarium salt (1%)Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics if crucial
Increase oxygen phasesRemove sharp decorations that may intent damage
Dropsy and Swim Bladder IssuesOverfeeding represents the ordinary trigger of swim bladder problems. Fish littered with these stipulations combat with buoyancy, floating abnormally or sinking.
Management Steps:
Fast the fish for forty eight-72 hours
Feed cooked, peeled peas to resource digestionAdd small amount of aquarium salt
Maintain strong water parametersResume feeding with smaller quantities
Droopy Eye (Drop Eye)Controversial and not easy, droopy eye explanations aesthetic problems however not often impacts health in an instant. Research suggests that fat accumulation at the back of the eye, mixed with environmental explanations, contributes to this condition.
Prevention Methods:
Avoid overfeeding fatty meals
Use centralized major lightsCover tank sides to keep downward looking at
Feed floating meals to inspire upward orientationMaintain most appropriate water best
Gill CurlSmall tank dimension, deficient oxygen levels, and suboptimal water prerequisites motive gill covers to curve outward. This condition impacts respiration and visual appeal.
Correction Approach:
Transfer to accurately sized tank
Increase oxygen ranges notablyMaintain stable water parameters
Consider surgery purely as last motel (hardly useful)Compatible Tank Mates and Social Dynamics
Adult Arowana BehaviourWikipedia’s documentation confirms that adult arowanas express solitary and territorial behaviour. Keeping more than one adults in combination basically results in aggression, pressure, and capacity injury.
Selecting Compatible Species
If you prefer to apartment tank associates together with your arowana, persist with these checklist:Suitable Companions:
Large Plecos: Stay near bottom, lend a hand with algae
Large Catfish: Bottom dwellers that restrict arowana territory
Datnoides: Similar size, completely different water columnOscars: If precise sized, can coexist
Freshwater Stingrays: Remain on bottom substrateSpecies to Avoid:
Any fish small adequate to eat
Surface-dwelling species (compete for territory)Aggressive species of comparable shape
Slow-relocating fancy goldfishNeon or small tetras
Carefully become aware of interactions whilst introducing new fish. Remove any species showing signals of pressure or aggression inside of 24-forty eight hours. At Arowanaz, we inventory diverse well matched species that paintings properly in arowana setups.Water Maintenance and Tank Upkeep
Weekly Maintenance Schedule
Monday: Test water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH)Wednesday: Perform 25% water alternate, vacuum substrate
Friday: Check filter circulation fee, sparkling pre-filters if wishedSunday: Inspect fish for health and wellbeing subject matters, check temperature
Monthly Deep MaintenanceOnce per thirty days, habits greater thorough renovation:
Clean clear out media (in no way without notice)
Test and calibrate machineInspect warmers and thermometers
Check for appliance put on or malfunctionExamine tank seals and layout
Water Change TechniqueMatch temperature and pH of alternative water to tank water. Treat with dechlorinator earlier than including. Pour slowly to evade startling your fish. Some keepers use Python water changers or identical tactics that simplify significant water transformations.
the most well known extremely good red arowana c
Arowana Varieties and Species-Specific Care
Silver ArowanaThe silver arowana represents the most purchasable species for conserving. Native to South American river techniques, they grow quick and attain lengths exceeding three ft. Their steel silver scales and sizable scales create shocking visible appeal.
Care Specifics:
Temperature: seventy five-eighty two°F
pH: 6.zero-7.zeroTank dimension: 250+ gallons for adults
Growth fee: Extremely quickly (2 inches per month whilst young)Asian Arowana
Asian arowana command top class costs with the aid of their dazzling shade and cultural significance. Red, golden, and inexperienced types exist, both with designated care standards.Notable Varieties:
Super Red Arowana
Malaysian Red Arowana

Platinum Arowana
24K Golden ArowanaAustralian Varieties
Jardini arowana and Leichardti arowana from Australia prove extra aggressive trends. They’re hardy fish however require solitary housing as soon as mature. Learn greater approximately jardini arowana care and improvement expectations.Equipment Recommendations
Heaters
Use sturdy, adjustable heaters rated on your tank volume. We endorse:Titanium heaters for widespread tanks (basically indestructible)
Two smaller warmers in place of one sizable unit (redundancy)
External temperature controllers for precisionWater Testing Equipment
API Master Test Kit (accomplished)Digital pH meter (accuracy)
TDS meter (dissolved solids monitoring)Thermometers (dissimilar locations)
Filtration ComponentsQuality concerns really. Proper tank setup calls for funding in riskless gear. Consider FX6 canister filters, Eheim specialist series, or tradition sump programs.
Acclimation and Introduction
Bringing Your Arowana HomeWhen you purchase an arowana, acceptable acclimation prevents shock and illness. Our delivery task ensures fish arrive healthy, yet acclimation is still quintessential.
Acclimation Steps:
Float sealed bag in tank for 15-20 minutes (temperature equalization)
Open bag, add 1/four cup tank waterWait 10 mins, upload an additional 1/4 cup
Repeat method for forty five-60 minutes overallGently net fish into tank (don’t upload bag water)
Dim lighting fixtures for first 24 hoursMonitor intently for stress signs
First Week CareStress degrees top at some stage in preliminary days. Minimize recreation around the tank, care for reliable stipulations, and supply small quantities in their time-honored meals. Some arowanas refuse delicacies for 2-3 days after relocating. This behaviour falls inside of original differ except followed with the aid of different warning signs.
Advanced Considerations
Breeding ArowanaArowana breeding in domicile aquariums items principal challenges. These fish require giant spaces, explicit situations, and years to reach sexual adulthood (three-4 years minimum).
Males exercise mouthbrooding, carrying fertilized eggs and fry in their mouths for up to 2 months. Commercial breeding operations use massive ponds in place of tanks. For such a lot keepers, breeding is still impractical.
Colour Enhancement
Colour genetics play the normal function, but food regimen and ambiance effect pigmentation. What impacts their brilliant shades consists of:Diet: Prawns, krill, and color-modifying pellets
Lighting: Specialized tanning lighting for reds and golds
Water chemistry: Soft, acidic water enhances huesStress stages: Chronic stress dulls color
Arowana Legalities and Regulations Asian arowanas face criminal restrictions in many countries as a consequence of endangered reputation. However, different forms stay felony. Research regional restrictions formerly paying for. Understand what arowana fish are and their conservation standing.