The Silver Arowana is a majestic and ancient freshwater fish native to the Amazon River Basin in South America. Often called the “dragon fish” due to its long, sleek body and metallic scales, the Silver Arowana is a prized centerpiece fish in large aquariums. Known for its surface-hunting behavior, jumping ability, and predatory instincts, it’s best suited for experienced aquarists with spacious tanks.

Origin and Habitat

• Native Region:
  
• Amazon River Basin, including parts of Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Bolivia
• Natural Habitat:
  
• Inhabits slow-moving blackwater rivers, flooded forests, and swamps
• Typically found near the surface, feeding on insects, small fish, birds, and even amphibians

Physical Characteristics

• Size:
  
• Can grow up to 36 inches (90 cm) or more in the wild
• Commonly reaches 24–30 inches (60–76 cm) in captivity
• Coloration:
  
• Silvery, metallic scales that shimmer under light
• Long, flowing pectoral fins and a distinct jawline with barbels (whisker-like appendages)

Body Shape:

• Elongated, snake-like body built for speed and power
• Large, upturned mouth used to scoop prey from the surface

Lifespan:

• Typically 10–15 years in captivity with proper care
• Can live up to 20 years in optimal conditions

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament:
  
• Aggressive and predatory
• Best kept alone or with large, fast-moving tank mates
• Known to jump—can leap several feet out of water when startled or feeding
• Tank Lid Requirement:
  
• Must have a secure, tight-fitting lid—Silver Arowanas are notorious jumpers and can escape or injure themselves

Aquarium Care

• Minimum Tank Size:
  
• 250 gallons (946 liters) or more for a juvenile-to-adult transition
• Arowanas are powerful swimmers and need length over height in tank design
• Water Parameters:
  
• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Tank Setup:
  
• Open swimming space is crucial
• Use floating plants and subdued lighting to replicate their natural habitat
• Substrate can be sand or smooth gravel, with driftwood and large rocks as décor

Diet and Feeding 

• Carnivorous / Surface Feeder:
  
• In the wild, eats insects, small fish, frogs, crustaceans, and even birds
• Captive Diet:
  
• High-protein options:
  
• Fresh/frozen fish
• Shrimp, krill, bloodworms
• Mealworms, crickets
• High-quality carnivore pellets
• Feeder fish (optional but risky—must be quarantined and parasite-free)
• Feeding Frequency:
  
• Feed once daily (young fish may need 2 feedings)
• Avoid overfeeding, as it can cause bloating or water quality issues

Tank Mates 

• Compatible With:
  
• Other large, robust fish:
  
• Oscars, large catfish, bichirs, datnoids, peacock bass
• Tank mates must be too large to eat and not overly aggressive

Avoid:

• Small fish (will be eaten)
• Fin-nippers or aggressive species that stress the Arowana

Breeding

• Reproduction in Captivity:
  
• Rare and difficult
• Mouthbrooders: Males carry fertilized eggs in their mouths until fry are released
• Requires a very large tank or pond and specific water conditions
• Is the Silver Arowana Right for You? 

✅ Ideal for experienced aquarists with very large tanks

✅ Offers graceful swimming, intelligence, and impressive presence

✅ Long-lived, making it a true pet rather than just a display fish

❌ Not beginner-friendly—requires expert care and secure environment

❌ Jump risk and aggression can pose challenges

The Silver Arowana is a living legend of the Amazon, perfect for those ready to take on the responsibility of housing a powerful and majestic apex predator. 🐉🔥

The Silver Arowana is a majestic and ancient freshwater fish native to the Amazon River Basin in South America. Often called the “dragon fish” due to its long, sleek body and metallic scales, the Silver Arowana is a prized centerpiece fish in large aquariums. Known for its surface-hunting behavior, jumping ability, and predatory instincts, it’s best suited for experienced aquarists with spacious tanks.

Origin and Habitat

• Native Region:
  
• Amazon River Basin, including parts of Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Bolivia
• Natural Habitat:
  
• Inhabits slow-moving blackwater rivers, flooded forests, and swamps
• Typically found near the surface, feeding on insects, small fish, birds, and even amphibians

Physical Characteristics

• Size:
  
• Can grow up to 36 inches (90 cm) or more in the wild
• Commonly reaches 24–30 inches (60–76 cm) in captivity
• Coloration:
  
• Silvery, metallic scales that shimmer under light
• Long, flowing pectoral fins and a distinct jawline with barbels (whisker-like appendages)

Body Shape:

• Elongated, snake-like body built for speed and power
• Large, upturned mouth used to scoop prey from the surface

Lifespan:

• Typically 10–15 years in captivity with proper care
• Can live up to 20 years in optimal conditions

Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament:
  
• Aggressive and predatory
• Best kept alone or with large, fast-moving tank mates
• Known to jump—can leap several feet out of water when startled or feeding
• Tank Lid Requirement:
  
• Must have a secure, tight-fitting lid—Silver Arowanas are notorious jumpers and can escape or injure themselves

Aquarium Care

• Minimum Tank Size:
  
• 250 gallons (946 liters) or more for a juvenile-to-adult transition
• Arowanas are powerful swimmers and need length over height in tank design
• Water Parameters:
  
• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Tank Setup:
  
• Open swimming space is crucial
• Use floating plants and subdued lighting to replicate their natural habitat
• Substrate can be sand or smooth gravel, with driftwood and large rocks as décor

Diet and Feeding 

• Carnivorous / Surface Feeder:
  
• In the wild, eats insects, small fish, frogs, crustaceans, and even birds
• Captive Diet:
  
• High-protein options:
  
• Fresh/frozen fish
• Shrimp, krill, bloodworms
• Mealworms, crickets
• High-quality carnivore pellets
• Feeder fish (optional but risky—must be quarantined and parasite-free)
• Feeding Frequency:
  
• Feed once daily (young fish may need 2 feedings)
• Avoid overfeeding, as it can cause bloating or water quality issues

Tank Mates 

• Compatible With:
  
• Other large, robust fish:
  
• Oscars, large catfish, bichirs, datnoids, peacock bass
• Tank mates must be too large to eat and not overly aggressive

Avoid:

• Small fish (will be eaten)
• Fin-nippers or aggressive species that stress the Arowana

Breeding

• Reproduction in Captivity:
  
• Rare and difficult
• Mouthbrooders: Males carry fertilized eggs in their mouths until fry are released
• Requires a very large tank or pond and specific water conditions
• Is the Silver Arowana Right for You? 

✅ Ideal for experienced aquarists with very large tanks

✅ Offers graceful swimming, intelligence, and impressive presence

✅ Long-lived, making it a true pet rather than just a display fish

❌ Not beginner-friendly—requires expert care and secure environment

❌ Jump risk and aggression can pose challenges

The Silver Arowana is a living legend of the Amazon, perfect for those ready to take on the responsibility of housing a powerful and majestic apex predator. 🐉🔥