Discover how to care for Arowanas—from tank size and species differences to diet, tank mates, and insider tips for a thriving, graceful swimmer.
How to Care for Arowana
Introduction – The Allure of the Arowana
Watching an Arowana glide across the water is like seeing a miniature dragon patrol its domain. Their sleek scales, powerful fins, and elevated elegance make them unforgettable tank residents. But caring for one takes dedication, space, and respect—they’re not pets for the casual hobbyist.
Quick answer: Arowanas are large, predatory freshwater fish requiring massive aquariums, pristine water, a varied carnivorous diet, and a secure, solitary setup to thrive.
Understanding Arowana Species, Size & Lifespan
Arowanas are bony-tongue fish—including Asian, Silver, Black, Jardini, and Leichardti types. Most reach 2–3 feet in captivity; some can stretch up to 4 feet in the wild The Environmental Literacy CouncilThe Spruce Pets. These living antiques can live 10–20 years, even past 20 years in ideal settings The Spruce PetsFish Keeping Made Simple.
Asian varieties like the Asian Arowana can grow up to 90 cm (about 3 ft) and require specially tailored habitats The Environmental Literacy CouncilWikipedia.
Tank Size & Layout Essentials
Tank Volume & Shape
Arowanas need massive space. A juvenile might start in 150–250 gallons, but full-grown adults need 300+ gallons—a barely sufficient minimum for a 3-foot fish The Spruce PetsThe Environmental Literacy CouncilBuild Your Aquarium. For serious keepers, tanks of 400–500 gallons or more with large open surface areas and ample length are ideal WikipediaThe Spruce PetsThe Environmental Literacy Council.
The tank should be long and wide—height is secondary. This gives your Arowana room to glide and perform its signature surface hunting behavior.
Lid & Decor
These fish are notorious jumpers—some have leapt over 6 feet to snatch prey from branches The Spruce PetsWikipedia. A solid, leak-free lid is non-negotiable.
Keep decor minimal for open swimming space. Driftwood or low-profile structures can be added for aesthetics, but avoid blocking their path The Spruce PetsPetMD.
Water Conditions & Maintenance
Temperature & Chemistry
Maintain 75–82°F (24–28°C), with pH around 6.5–7.5 and soft to moderate hardness HousePetsCare.comArowanazThe Environmental Literacy Council. Water must be immaculately clean—Arowanas are extremely sensitive to poor conditions.
Filtration & Water Changes
Expect to perform 20–50% weekly water changes and use robust filtration and circulation systems to ensure oxygen-rich, stable water The Environmental Literacy CouncilArowanazHousePetsCare.com.
Feeding & Diet
These are true carnivores. Juveniles thrive on live food like feeder fish (quarantined!), shrimp, or insects. As they mature, high-quality floating pellets and meaty frozen foods (krill, shrimp, earthworms) help avoid disease and maintain variety Build Your AquariumThe Spruce PetsArowanaz.
Feed 2–3 times daily as juveniles, reducing to 1–2 times as they age Fish Keeping Made SimpleBuild Your Aquarium. Avoid overfeeding—only offer what is eaten in a few minutes The Environmental Literacy CouncilBuild Your Aquarium.
Tank Mates & Behavior
Solitary Nature
Arowanas are mostly solitary. Adults are territorial and may attack others—even their kind. They’re best kept alone unless you have a massive tank with similar-sized companions introduced early The Spruce PetsWikipediaThe Environmental Literacy Council.
Possible Companions
If you do attempt companions, choose large, calm species that won’t fit in their mouth:
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Bichirs
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Large Plecos
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Oscars
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Pacus
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Catfish (e.g., redtail catfish)
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Datnoids, Gar, Knifefish Build Your AquariumArowanazFish Care GuideA-Z Animals.
Always closely observe introductions, as individual temperaments vary Fish Care GuideThe Environmental Literacy Council.
Behavioral Health & Common Issues
Droopy Eye
Arowanas often develop “droopy eye” from looking downward for food. You can mitigate this by encouraging surface feeding with floating objects or reflective feeding spots The Spruce PetsFish Care Guide.
Jumping Hazards
They are surface hunters and can jump unexpectedly. Avoid reflective lighting or external movement that may startle them The Spruce Pets+1PetMD.
Disease Sensitivity
They’re prone to fungal infections, ich, parasites, and scale issues—ensure strict quarantine for new additions and maintain pristine water to prevent these The Environmental Literacy Councilfishtankfocus.com.
Breeding Behavior
Arowanas are mouthbrooders. Males (and some Asian/Australian species) carry eggs and fry for weeks—though breeding is extremely rare in home aquariums due to size, aggression, and space constraints The Spruce PetsBuild Your AquariumWikipedia.
Common Questions (FAQ)
How big do Arowanas get?
Typically 2–3 feet in captivity; some may reach 4 feet The Environmental Literacy CouncilThe Spruce PetsWikipedia.
How long do they live?
Up to 20 years with proper care The Spruce PetsFish Keeping Made Simple.
What tank size is required?
Minimum 300 gallons for adults; ideally 400–500 gallons or more The Spruce PetsThe Environmental Literacy CouncilWikipedia.
What water conditions do they need?
75–82°F, pH 6.5–7.5, soft-moderate hardness, flawless water quality HousePetsCare.comWikipedia.
What do they eat?
A variety of meat-based food: live feeds, frozen shrimp, prawns, pellets; occasional insects Build Your AquariumWikipedia.
Can they live with other fish?
Rarely—solitary is best. Any tank mates must be large, peaceful, and tank-appropriate The Environmental Literacy CouncilBuild Your Aquarium.
My Personal Tips & Reflections
When I first set up for an Arowana, I underestimated the space it would need. Upgrading to a longer tank (5+ ft) changed everything—it gave the fish room to cruise, fed surface pellets without conflict, and minimized jumping risks.
Floating feeders and reflective decor help keep feeding interesting and reduce droopy eye. Maintenance became manageable once I upgraded filters and reduced stressors like bright lighting and high traffic around the tank.
Conclusion – Is an Arowana Right for You?
Caring for an Arowana is a commitment worthy of respect. They demand space, precision, and patience. But when done right, you’ll witness a creature that moves with regal grace—capturing attention and bringing awe into any room.
If you’re ready for the responsibility, Arowanas can reward you with decades of beauty and behavior that dazzles.
