Arowana Care and Feeding
A Snake-Like and Expensive Fish for Your Freshwater Aquarium
The arowana or dragon fish is highly sought out due to its unusual appearance and a good luck symbol in several cultures
Arowanas belong to the Osteoglossiformes family which is one of the most ancient fish species. Their origin has been traced back to the Jurassic era, close to 200 million years ago.
They have a long body, large slanted mouth, upturned jaw, sharp teeth, big eyes and a pair of barbels (whiskers) growing out of the tip of its lower mouth. One of the most unusual characteristics of arowanas is their bony tongue which is used to crush their prey. Some varieties can grow as long as three feet.
Native Habitat of Arowanas
Arowanas are native to four continents: Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. In Asia, they are called a Dragon Fish or Feng Shui Fish. They are on the endangered species list in several countries.
The exportation of these fish is strictly regulated and can only be shipped from countries where they are bred on farms where the supply is considered plentiful. This accounts for the high price (usually $1000 minimum).
Most stores sell Silver or Black Arowanas from South America because they are less expensive. Species from Asia, such as the Red Dragon Fish, are rarer and most expensive. African and Australian fish are not available for export.
Buying Arowanas
Baby arowanas sold in stores are usually three inches long and still have their egg sacs attached. At this size, the fish are still fragile. Once the egg sac is gone, these fish are able to eat on their own. Babies should be kept in a small tank because they frighten easily and moved to a larger tank after they grow a few more inches.
Feeding Arowanas
Arowanas need to be fed live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, beef hearts, cockroaches and tubiflex worms. It is good to feed them vegetables such as lettuce or zucchini. They have a voracious appetite so be prepared to spend a lot of money on food. Live food is always more expensive.
Tank Selection and Compatibility of Arowanas
Silver and black species can grow up to three feet long so it is important to house them in a large tank. This is the biggest mistake made by hobbyists; underestimating tank requirements. If the tank is too small, it can stunt the arowana’s growth and it can become misshapen.
They are strong fish and can break a tank if they are housed in an undersized tank. The water temperature should be between 70F and 80 F with a PH around 7. They are known to be jumpers so the tank must be covered.
Arowanas can be aggressive towards other fish so it’s recommended to not mix them with other fish. Their scales and barbels are very delicate; therefore, do not put any sharp ornaments in the tank. It is recommended to place their food in the centre of the tank in order to prevent them from bumping against the side of the tank.
With proper tank conditions and a healthy diet, an arowana can live up to 25 years!
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