Maintenance and Care Arowana

Arowana, also called Dragon Fish, Baramundi, Saratoga, Kelesa, and Aruana, Whether it’s from Asia, So. America, Australia, or Africa, the Arowana is a long, sleek, streamlined fish of great beauty with a unique character. Many Asian Arowanas are endangered and protected species and are not permissible in the US. Arowana are large and often aggressive with the potential for rapid growth. Many believe that Arowanas bring good luck and fortune Average Size Up to 24 inches long, in captivity Life Span Up to 10 years with proper care.

Characteristics Arowana have Mandibular Barbels or Whiskers that are used to sense movement on the water surface. Decorate with minimum plants and décor to allow maximum swimming area and yet provide a hiding place. Avoid sharp objects upon which an Arowana could injure itself.

Habitat and Maintenance Arowana
Check filter, other equipment and water temperature daily. Check water quality at least once a week
Change 25–50% of the total volume of water every week, or as needed

Diet Arowana is carnivorous. In the wild its food consists mainly of insects, fishes and worms Provide live or frozen fish and insects, krill, worms and shrimp (for young Arowana avoid insects or inverts with sharp or very hard shells) Thaw frozen foods before feeding Provide pellets designed for surface feeding carnivorous fish (or Arowana pellet food).

Feeding Arowana These fish are surface feeders often gliding just below the water surface. Feed young fish 2-3 times a day and adults once a day, feed only what they can eat within 3-5 minutes. Feed carefully as Arowanas usually attack their food coiling their bodies like a spring and lunging forward to engulf the food.

Housing Arowana The Arowana is a surface swimming fish, width (front to back) of the tank is more important than its height (top to bottom). A general rule is the width of the tank should be at least the length of the fish. For an Arowana baby a 20 gallon long is adequate for the first two or three months. (Beware that if a fish is left in too small of tank a permanent spinal curvature can occur.) As the fish grows a 55 gallon, then a 125 gallon, and finally a 180 gallon plus for a fullgrown fish is recommended. Always keep tank covered as this fish is an active jumper Provide proper filtration to maintain health, and perform 25-50% water changes weekly. Arowana are more sensitive to nitrites than other fish. Water temperature should range from 72° F. to 82° F.

Compatibility Arowana Adult Arowanas are best kept alone, because of their size and requirements. If housed with other tank mates they must be large enough not to be swallowed whole by the Arowana and must not occupy the upper section of the tank. Most all bottom dwellers are tolerated. Other aggressive fish may ruin the long flowing fins of a beautiful Arowana. Avoid crowded conditions; they are a major cause of stress and disease. Avoid over feeding as this rapidly degrades water quality Maintain good water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration

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