Care Level: Advanced

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Silver Arowana is found widely throughout the Amazon Basin region in South America, however the majority of juvenile specimens available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced. Silver arowanas are part of an ancient fish lineage known as the bonytongues, which are highly adapted surface feeders. A popular fish given its unique appearance, hobbyists should take into account the large adult size [up to 30″] for which most standard aquariums are insufficient to house, and long lifespan of a Silver arowana before considering one. For its large size however, the Silver arowana is a relatively non-aggressive fish so long as it is not kept with small fishes that can become a meal. In fact, too often Silver arowana are kept with overly aggressive or territorial cichlid species that cause them harm. Only one Silver arowana is recommended per aquarium, as conflict can arise between conspecifics.

Diet Requirements: Silver arowanas are generalized predators consuming fish, crustaceans, insects, and plant matter. A diet made up of various high quality proteins are ideal, such as frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, mussels, chopped prawns, and pieces of krill or silverside fish. Earthworms are also a great option for Silver arowanas. These food suggestions are dependent on the size of your Silver arowana. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. We discourage feeding live fish to Silver arowanas because they are often of little nutritional value and increase the risk of introducing disease. Do not feed your Silver arowana mammalian or avian meats from the store.

Care Requirements: A minimum 55 to 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Silver arowana to allow it some room to grow. An adult Silver arowana requires much more space upwards of 200+ gallons. A tight fitting lid is needed to prevent an Arowana from ending up on your floor. This fish cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters in a good range (Nitrates < 30 ppm), as Silver arowanas do not like high nitrates and deteriorating water parameters. Equipping the aquarium with a canister filter can be advantageous to maintain a healthier environment and provide more adequate oxygen for a Silver arowana. Arowanas are relatively indifferent to aquarium decor because they spend the majority of their time swimming at the surface of the aquarium. Choose tank mates accordingly, but other large to extra large fish species that are on the more docile side are preferred. Such fish could include, but are not limited to, Geophagus, Clown Knife, Bala Shark, Silver Dollars, or Tinfoil Barbs. Recommended water conditions, 78-82° F, KH 5-19, pH 6.5-7.5.

Purchase Size: Small: 2” to 3”; Medium: 4” to 5”; Large: 6” to 8”; XLarge: 12”+

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.