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Arowanna Care

Food

Arowanas are well known as carnivores, they will eat crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, centipedes, krill, shrimp, prawns, frogs, and pellets.

When feeding your Arowana crickets, mealworms, or centipedes it is highly recommended that you buy them from a reputable dealer that specializes in raising this type of feed for fish or reptiles.

Live food is considered to be a favorite among many Arowanas. It is recommended that all feeder goldfish or frogs be quarantined for at least a week. This helps avoid harmful parasites.

Overfeeding of food should be avoided. Twice a day is more than reasonable in most cases.

Aquarium Size:

The minimum recommended size for an Arowana is 200 gallons or 750 liters. Younger Arowanas may be kept in smaller aquariums, but as they grow a larger tank is required to protect the fish against deformities and to maximize its lifespan.

Aquarium Decor:

Arowanas act very uncomfortable in bare tanks. They might knock some of their decor around, but they act much calmer in a decorated tank. It is recommended to put small artificial plants within the tank to make the Arowana feel more at home.

Aquarium Cover:

Arowanas are known to be tremendous jumpers. Fully grown they can jump up to 2 meters! (over 6 feet) While Arowanas are young an aquarium cover is recommended but the likely hood of them making it out the tank is low. As the Arowana matures very strong lids are needed to keep the fish from knocking the lid loose and bailing out of the aquarium.

Water Temperature:

Being tropical in nature, the Arowana’s natural habitat is between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When a fish is kept in captivity it is a good rule of thumb to try and the aquarium’s temperature to that of their natural habitat. It is recommended that you buy a digital tank thermometer so that you can always keep tabs on the water temperature. Remeber always try to keep your Arowanas at tropical temperatures – 75o to 80o. They do not do well in cool water.

pH:

When preparing and maintaining the tank for your Arowana it is vital that you test its pH regularly. Arowanas are very sensitive to pH changes and fluxuations may cause unneeded stress which can weaken your fish, leading to higher susceptibility to diseases. Arowanas prefer water that is somewhat acidic (6.0 -7.0).

Changing of Water:

Moderate water change is recommended. As a rule of thumb 10 to 20 percent change in the water is adequate. If greater amounts of water are changed the fish may go into shock, this can be potentially life threatening.

Size:

South American Arowanas (silvers) start out as cute little two-inch, fork-tongued dragons dragging a large orange egg sac from their belly. At this stage, they succumb too many problems usually initiated by improper and insufficient foods. We prefer to start with the larger guys well past this delicate stage. Beware. They all grow to at least two feet long and eat ever-increasing amounts of food.

Clean Water:

This cannot be stressed enough. Keep their water clean and large. You cannot over filter your arowanas’ water or give them too much room.

Asian Arowanas:

Please note it is ILLEGAL to own an Asian Arowana within the United States unless you can prove you have owned one since July 14, 1976. This said, please also realize that it is illegal to use the internet to BUY, SALE, GIVE, TRADE, Asian Arowanas within the United States.

More Information:

For more information on how to care for your Arowana please check out Steven Yeohs Book. “All About Arowana Care.” This comprehensive book goes into vivid detail as to every aspect of maintaining your Arowana’s health.

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