Freshwater arowana, also known as the dragon fish, are among the most sought-after and impressive freshwater fish species in the aquarium trade. These unique creatures have captivated aquarists worldwide with their distinctive appearance and fascinating behavior.
Introducing Freshwater Arowana
Freshwater arowana are large, elongated predatory fish with a distinctive elongated body and a long, beak-like mouth. Two notable examples are the Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus) and the Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), both highly prized for their striking colors and patterns.
General Information
- Origin: Freshwater arowana are native to various regions, including Southeast Asia, South America, and parts of Australia.
- Size: The average size of freshwater arowana can vary greatly between species, with some reaching lengths of over 1 meter (3.3 feet) in captivity.
- Lifespan: With proper care, freshwater arowana can live for several decades, with some specimens reportedly reaching ages of 50 years or more.
- Temperament: Freshwater arowana are generally solitary and territorial fish, particularly as they mature. They can be aggressive towards tankmates, especially other arowana or similarly large predatory species.
- Appearance: Freshwater arowana have a distinctive elongated body shape, a long, beak-like mouth with numerous teeth, and a unique set of fins, including an elongated dorsal fin and a distinctive caudal fin. Their coloration can range from greenish-silver to bright golden hues, often with intricate patterns or markings.
- How many types & color of this breed: Some popular freshwater arowana varieties include the Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus) in shades of green and red, the Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) with a silvery-gray coloration, and the Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai) with a dark, almost black appearance.
- Price: The average price for a freshwater arowana can range from $50 to several thousand dollars, depending on the species, size, and rarity.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitat: Freshwater arowana are found in various freshwater habitats, including rivers, streams, and lakes, often in areas with dense vegetation and submerged structures.
- Tank Size: Due to their large size and territorial nature, freshwater arowana require substantial tank space. A minimum tank size of 180 gallons (680 liters) is recommended for a single adult specimen, with larger tanks being preferable.
- Water Parameters: Freshwater arowana thrive in warm, well-oxygenated water with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 and a temperature between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C).
- Tank Setup: A suitable tank setup for freshwater arowana should include a sandy or fine gravel substrate, ample swimming space, and plenty of hiding spots or caves for security. Live or artificial plants can be added for additional cover and oxygenation, but care should be taken as arowana may uproot or damage them.
Feeding
- Diet: Freshwater arowana are obligate carnivores and primarily feed on live or frozen foods, such as feeder fish, shrimp, and other meaty proteins.
- Feeding Habits: Arowana are ambush predators and will strike at prey with lightning-fast speed. They prefer to feed near the surface and may even jump out of the water to catch their prey.
Some types of suitable food for freshwater arowana:
- Live or frozen feeder fish (e.g., goldfish, guppies, mollies)
- Live or frozen shrimp
- Live or frozen crickets
- Frozen or freeze-dried krill
- High-quality carnivore pellets
Breeding
- Reproduction: Freshwater arowana are mouthbrooders, meaning the male carries the fertilized eggs in his mouth until they hatch.
- Breeding Requirements: Successful breeding often requires specific environmental conditions, such as changes in water parameters, temperature fluctuations, or the introduction of a breeding tank or container.
- Spawning Process: During courtship, the female will release her eggs, which the male then collects and holds in his mouth for incubation. After hatching, the fry will initially feed on the male’s mucus secretions before transitioning to live foods.
Common Health Issues
Common health issues and vulnerabilities associated with freshwater arowana include:
- Bacterial infections (e.g., fin rot, dropsy)
- Parasitic infestations (e.g., ich, velvet disease)
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Stress-related issues (e.g., poor water quality, aggression)
Preventive method: To minimize health issues, it is essential to maintain excellent water quality, provide a balanced and varied diet, and minimize stress factors. Regular water testing, quarantine procedures, and prompt treatment of any signs of illness can help prevent and address potential health problems.
Special Considerations
- Compatibility: Due to their predatory nature and territorial behavior, freshwater arowana are generally not compatible with most other fish species, especially smaller or passive tankmates. They should be housed alone or with similarly sized, aggressive species in a suitably large aquarium.
- Special Care Instructions: Freshwater arowana require spacious and well-maintained aquariums, as they are messy eaters and produce a significant amount of waste. Regular water changes and diligent tank maintenance are crucial for their well-being.
- Legal Restrictions: In some regions, there may be restrictions or regulations regarding the ownership or breeding of certain freshwater arowana species, particularly the Asian Arowana, which is protected in some areas due to cultural significance or conservation concerns.
Which Freshwater Arowana Varieties Can Be Kept Together?
Freshwater arowana are generally solitary and territorial fish, especially as they mature. However, in some cases, they may be housed together with other large, aggressive fish species, such as:
- Other arowana species (with caution)
- Larger cichlids (e.g., Oscar, Green Terror)
- Larger catfish (e.g., Redtail Catfish, Rafael Catfish)
- Larger gouramis (e.g., Giant Gourami)
- Larger barbs (e.g., Tinfoil Barb)
- Larger characins (e.g., Silver Dollar)
- Larger loaches (e.g., Clown Loach)
Difference Between Male and Female Freshwater Arowana
The primary differences between male and female freshwater arowana are:
- Size: Males tend to be larger and more robust than females of the same species.
- Coloration: In some species, males may exhibit brighter or more intense coloration, especially during breeding seasons.
- Behavior: During breeding periods, males may become more aggressive and territorial, while females may exhibit nesting or egg-laying behaviors.
- Mouthbrooding: Only males carry and incubate the fertilized eggs in their mouths.
“How many species of freshwater arowana?”
There are currently around 10 recognized species of arowana, with the Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus) and Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) being among the most popular in the aquarium trade.
“How to feed freshwater arowana to make their color brighter?”
Providing a varied diet rich in carotenoid pigments, such as high-quality frozen foods or color-enhancing pellets, can help enhance the vibrancy of some arowana species’ colors.
“How big do freshwater arowana grow?”
Arowana can grow quite large, with some species reaching lengths of over 1 meter (3.3 feet) in captivity.
“How fast do freshwater arowana grow?”
The growth rate of arowana can vary depending on factors such as water quality, diet, and temperature, but they generally reach their maximum size within 5 to 7 years.
“How long do freshwater arowana live?”
With proper care and optimal conditions, arowana have the potential to live for several decades, with some specimens reportedly reaching ages of 50 years or more.
“How to take care of freshwater arowana?”
Proper care for arowana involves providing a large, well-maintained aquarium, maintaining suitable water parameters, offering a varied carnivorous diet, and minimizing stress factors.
“Which food products are the best for freshwater arowana?”
Some high-quality commercial food options for arowana include Hikari, Omega One, and Fluval frozen and freeze-dried foods, as well as specialized carnivore pellets.
“Is it good to keep freshwater arowana as pets?”
Arowana can make fascinating and rewarding pets for experienced aquarists who can provide the necessary space, care, and dedication required by these demanding and predatory fish.
“Why do my arowana die?”
Arowana deaths can be attributed to various factors, such as poor water quality, inadequate diet, stress from incompatible tankmates, or diseases resulting from improper care or quarantine procedures.
“Are freshwater arowana aggressive?”
Yes, arowana are generally considered aggressive and territorial fish, particularly as they mature, and should be housed accordingly with caution.
“Do freshwater arowana kill other fish?”
Due to their predatory nature, arowana will readily consume smaller fish or other suitable prey items, making them unsuitable for most community aquariums with smaller or passive tankmates.
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