Silver Arowana Care Guide: Aquarium Setup, Tank Mates, Breeding & Feeding

Silver Arowanas are one of the most popular monster fish kept as pets in the aquarium hobby. These majestic creatures are known for their large size, distinctive appearance, and fascinating behavior, making them a favourite among enthusiasts of all levels. In this care guide, we will explore everything you need to know about keeping Silver Arowanas in captivity, including their natural history, ideal tank setup, feeding requirements, common health concerns, legality, and more. Whether you are a seasoned aquarium hobbyist or a beginner looking to take on a new challenge, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and resources needed to provide the best care possible for your Silver Arowana.

Physical Description

Silver Arowanas are characterized by their unique appearance, with a long, slender body, large scales, and a tapered head with a powerful jaw. Their silver-coloured body is marked with several rows of prominent scales running along their sides, while their fins are elongated and pointed, with the dorsal fin extending along the length of their body.

In terms of size, Silver Arowanas are among the largest freshwater fish species commonly kept in home aquariums. They can grow up to 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) in length and weigh up to 7-9 kg (15-20 pounds) in the wild, although those kept in captivity usually reach slightly smaller sizes. Juvenile Silver Arowanas can grow very quickly, and it’s not uncommon for them to reach a size of 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) in their first year of life.

One of the most impressive features of Silver Arowanas is their hunting behavior. They can jump nearly a couple of metres out of the water to catch prey that is flying or swimming above the surface. Their powerful jaws are designed to crush the shells of crustaceans and snails, and they can swallow prey that is nearly as large as they are. In the wild, they feed on a variety of aquatic animals such as fish, insects, crustaceans, and even small mammals and birds that fall into the water.

Due to their large size and specific care requirements, Silver Arowanas are not recommended for beginners or for those with limited space. However, their impressive size, unique appearance, and hunting behavior make them a popular choice among monster fish enthusiasts.

Silver Arowana Natural Habitat

Silver Arowanas are native to the tropical freshwater rivers, streams, and floodplains of South America, specifically in the Amazon Basin and its surrounding regions. They can be found in slow-moving waters such as backwaters, tributaries, and flooded forests, as well as in larger rivers and lakes.

The natural habitat of Silver Arowanas is characterised by warm, clear. The water is usually slightly acidic, with low to moderate hardness. The water is also rich in vegetation, driftwood, and submerged tree roots, which provide hiding places and territories for these fish.

In the wild, Silver Arowanas are known for their exceptional leaping ability, which allows them to catch prey that is above the water’s surface. They are also highly adapted to their surroundings and can navigate through dense vegetation and flooded forests to find food and shelter.

To provide the best possible care for Silver Arowanas in captivity, it’s essential to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. This means providing a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places, such as driftwood, plants, and caves. Maintain a consistent water temperature, pH, and hardness, and provide a varied diet that includes live or frozen foods.

Silver Arowana Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Silver Arowanas requires careful consideration of their specific needs and requirements. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when creating an ideal home for your Silver Arowana:

• Tank Size: Silver Arowanas require a large tank to accommodate their size and swimming behavior. A minimum tank size of 950-1,100 litres (250-300 gallons) is recommended for a single adult Arowana, with additional space needed for each additional fish.
• Water Quality: As mentioned earlier, Silver Arowanas come from warm, clear water with a pH range of 5.5-7.5 and low to moderate hardness. Maintaining these parameters in captivity is essential to their health and wellbeing. It’s recommended to use a high-quality filtration system, perform regular water changes, and monitor water parameters regularly to ensure they remain within the correct range. These fish also breathe air directly from the surface and as such, they should have easy access to the surface of the water.

• Aquascape: Providing plenty of hiding places and territory for your Silver Arowana is important to keep them comfortable and healthy. Use large pieces of driftwood, rocks, and plants to create a natural-looking environment that mimics their native habitat. Avoid using sharp or rough-edged decorations that could damage their sensitive fins.
• Lighting: Silver Arowanas do not require intense lighting, but providing a natural day-night cycle is key for their overall health. Use a timer to simulate the sunrise and sunset and keep the lighting on for around 8-10 hours a day.
• Strong Lid: These are highly accomplished jumpers, and the tank should have a tight-fitting lid that doesn’t have any sharp edges on the inside.

A comfortable and stimulating environment for these fascinating fish will go a long way in ensuring that these majestic fish stay healthy and happy.

Silver Arowana Ideal Water Parameters

Here are the ideal water parameters for Silver Arowanas:

• Temperature: Silver Arowanas are tropical fish and prefer water temperatures between 24-30°C (75-86°F). Keeping the water temperature within this range is essential for their overall health and well-being. Avoid sudden fluctuations in temperature, which can cause stress and make them more susceptible to disease.
• pH: Silver Arowanas prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. Maintaining the correct pH level is crucial because changes in pH can affect the fish’s ability to absorb nutrients and lead to stress and health issues.
• Hardness: Silver Arowanas prefer soft to moderately hard water, with a hardness range of 2-8 dKH. Water hardness can affect the fish’s ability to regulate their internal fluids and cause stress and health issues if not maintained at the correct level.
• Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Silver Arowanas are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, which are toxic by-products of the nitrogen cycle. It’s crucial to maintain zero levels of both ammonia and nitrite in the aquarium by making sure that the tank is properly cycled. Nitrate should be kept at a low level (<20 ppm) and this can be achieved through regular water changes.

Regular water testing, filtration, and maintenance are necessary to maintain the correct water parameters and keep the fish healthy. Additionally, providing a large tank with plenty of hiding places and open areas for swimming is essential for their physical and mental health.

Silver Arowana Diet And Feeding

Silver Arowanas are carnivorous fish and require a diet that is high in protein. In the wild, they primarily feed on other fish, crustaceans, and insects. In captivity, their diet should consist of a variety of live, frozen, and pellet foods.

• Live Foods: Silver Arowanas will readily eat live foods such as feeder fish, shrimp, and crickets. However, live feeder fish can carry diseases or parasites that can be harmful to your fish. If you choose to feed live fish, make sure to quarantine them for a few days before feeding to your Arowana.
• Frozen Foods: Frozen foods such as shrimp, krill, and bloodworms are a great source of protein for Arowanas. You can find these frozen foods at your local fish store or online.
• Pellet Foods: Pellet foods are a convenient and cost-effective way to feed your Arowana. Look for high-quality pellets that are specifically formulated for carnivorous fish. You can supplement their diet with other foods such as frozen or live foods.
• Feeding: Silver Arowanas should be fed once or twice a day, with only as much food as they can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to health problems such as obesity and poor water quality. Arowanas are surface feeders, so make sure to feed them at the water surface. You can also use a feeding ring or feeding cone to keep the food in one area.

Vary their diet and don’t just feed them the same thing every day. This will help ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for good health. Additionally, make sure to provide a balanced diet that includes both protein and vitamins.

Silver Arowana Tankmates

Silver Arowanas are predatory fish and will eat smaller fish or anything that can fit in their mouth. This along with their large size means that for most hobbyists, it is best to keep it alone. However, if you have the resources and want to setup something monstrous, then these are some suitable tankmates for Silver Arowanas:

• Large Cichlids – Large cichlids such as Oscars, Jack Dempseys, and Green Terrors can make good tankmates for Arowanas. These fish are similar in size and temperament and can create an interesting dynamic in the tank.
• Bichirs – Bichirs are bottom-dwelling fish that can coexist with Arowanas as long as they are of similar size. Bichirs are hardy fish and can tolerate the conditions temperatures required for Arowanas.
• Plecos – Plecos that can be a good addition to a tank with Arowanas. Choose a species of Pleco that is large enough to avoid being eaten by the Arowana.
• Giant Gouramis – Giant Gouramis are large and peaceful fish that can coexist with Arowanas. These fish are compatible because they occupy different levels of the tank.
• Catfish – Some species of catfish such as Red-Tailed Catfish or Pictus Catfish can be suitable tankmates for Arowanas. However, they need to be large enough to avoid being eaten.

Tankmates must be chosen carefully, and compatibility depends on the individual temperament of each fish. Additionally, it’s recommended to introduce tankmates at the same time as the Arowana, as it reduces aggression and territorial behavior.

Silver Arowana Breeding

Breeding Silver Arowanas can be an extremely challenging task, as they require a massive tank and specific conditions to spawn successfully. Add to that the challenge of getting them to pair up without killing each other and this is something that should only be attempted by professionals.

Silver Arowana Diseases

Silver Arowanas are susceptible to a variety of diseases, including bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Here are some of the most common diseases that affect Silver Arowanas:

• Dropsy: Dropsy is a bacterial infection that affects the fish’s kidneys, causing fluid to build up in the body cavity, making the fish appear bloated. This disease is often fatal if left untreated.
• Ich: Ich or White Spot Disease is a common parasitic infection that causes white spots to appear on the fish’s body. It is caused by a protozoan parasite and can be treated with medication.
• Fin Rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection that causes the fins to deteriorate and become frayed. It is usually caused by poor water quality and can be treated by improving water conditions and administering medication.
• Velvet Disease: Velvet disease is a parasitic infection that causes a yellow or greyish film to appear on the fish’s skin. It is caused by a microscopic parasite and can be treated with medication.
• Columnaris: Columnaris is a bacterial infection that causes white patches to appear on the fish’s body. It can also cause the fins to rot and can be treated with medication.

Prevention is the best approach to avoiding these diseases. Maintaining good water quality, feeding a balanced diet, and keeping the tank clean can help prevent these diseases from occurring.

In addition to diseases, Silver Arowanas can also be prone to injuries and genetic defects such as:

• Tail and Fin injuries: Silver Arowanas are known for their long, flowing fins and tails, which can easily become injured if the fish bumps into something sharp or if it is attacked by another fish in the tank. These injuries can lead to fin rot and other infections if not treated promptly. Make sure that there isn’t a lot of traffic around the tank and that tankmates, if any aren’t fidgety enough to startle the arowana.
• Eye injuries: Silver Arowanas have large eyes, which can be susceptible to injury. Scratches on the eye can lead to bacterial or fungal infections. Sometimes, they will start to droop as the fish ages. This is a result of genetic weakness caused by decades of selective breeding. Generally, this doesn’t affect the fish but it can be injury prone which can there cause serious concerns.
• Spinal deformities: Some Silver Arowanas may develop spinal deformities due to genetic factors or poor nutrition. These deformities can cause the fish to have trouble swimming or may even lead to paralysis.
• Swim bladder disorders: Silver Arowanas may develop swim bladder disorders, which can cause them to have difficulty swimming or even float upside down. This can be caused by poor genetics.
• Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a genetic disorder that can cause the spine to curve in an abnormal way, leading to problems with swimming and movement.

How To Properly Handle A Silver Arowana?

Silver Arowanas are large and powerful fish. They must be handled with care to avoid injuring the fish or yourself. Here are some tips for handling a Silver Arowana:

• Use a net: When catching the fish, use a soft, fine-meshed net to avoid damaging the fish’s delicate fins and scales. A large net with a long handle can help you reach the fish easily.
• Support the body: Once the fish is caught, support its body with both hands to avoid damaging its spine. Arowanas have a long, delicate spine that can easily be injured if not handled properly.
• Avoid squeezing: Do not squeeze the fish tightly, as this can cause it stress and can also damage its internal organs.
• Keep the fish low: When lifting the fish out of the water, keep it low to the ground to avoid dropping it. Arowanas are powerful jumpers and can easily jump out of your hands if they feel threatened.
• Use a towel: Wrapping the fish in a damp towel can help keep it calm and reduce its stress levels during handling.

Remember, the best way to handle a Silver Arowana is to avoid handling it whenever possible. Arowanas are sensitive to changes in their environment, so it is best to leave them in the tank as much as possible and only handle them when absolutely necessary.

Some Interesting Facts About Silver Arowanas

Silver Arowanas are fascinating fish with many interesting traits and behaviours. Here are some fun facts about Silver Arowanas:

• Hunting behavior: In the wild, Silver Arowanas are known for their hunting behavior, which involves leaping out of the water to catch insects, birds, and other small animals that are resting on tree branches overhanging the water. This behavior has earned them the nickname “water monkeys.”
• Mouthbrooders: Silver Arowanas are mouthbrooders, which means that the males carry and protect the eggs and newly hatched fry in their mouths until they are ready to swim on their own.
• Long lifespan: Silver Arowanas can live for up to 20 years in captivity, making them a long-term commitment for fish keepers.
• Air breathers: Silver Arowanas have a modified swim bladder that allows them to breathe air at the water’s surface. This adaptation allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments and makes them vulnerable to being captured by fishermen using hooks.
• Cultural significance: Silver Arowanas are highly prized in some Asian cultures, where they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. In some countries, they are even considered a national treasure.

Are Silver Arowanas Illegal In Australia?

Yes, Silver Arowanas are illegal in Australia. In fact, all species of Arowanas are prohibited from import, possession, and sale in Australia under the country’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This is because Arowanas are considered a high-risk invasive species that could have significant ecological impacts if they were to be introduced into the country’s freshwater systems.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Silver Arowanas:

How big do Silver Arowanas get?

Silver Arowanas can grow up to 90 cm (3 feet) in length in the wild, but in captivity, they typically reach around 60cm (2 feet) in length.

What do Silver Arowanas eat?

In the wild, Silver Arowanas feed on a variety of prey, including fish, insects, and crustaceans. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of pellets, frozen foods, and live foods such as feeder fish, shrimp, and crickets.

Are Silver Arowanas aggressive?

Silver Arowanas can be aggressive towards other fish in the aquarium, especially if they are of similar size or shape. They are also known to jump out of the water, so have a secure lid on the tank.

Conclusion

Silver Arowanas are a beautiful and fascinating species of freshwater fish that require specific care to thrive in captivity. Providing a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space, clean and well-filtered water, and a varied diet is essential for their health and well-being. Due to their aggressive nature, it is important to only keep them with compatible tank mates and provide a secure lid to prevent them from jumping out of the water. As long as they are legal to keep where you live, these fish make for amazing pets.