Overview
The Silver Arowana, or Arahuana, is known by many alternate names, sometimes making identification tricky. Scientifically, it is most often called Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, but one may also hear reference to O. vandelli, or Ischnosoma bicirrhosum. Among the group known as band fishes, the Silver Arowana is considered a true bony fish. Indigenous to the flood plains of the Amazon River Basin in South America, the Arowana can reach an intimidating 47 inches in the wild, and is often too much for all but the advanced freshwater aquarist to manage. It can survive short times out of the water breathing air by utilizing its swim bladder.
The Silver Arowana prefers a 250-gallon tank with a fine gravel bottom, loosely planted, and soft, peaty water with lots of open space above for swimming. The aquarium must be fitted with a tight, heavy cover because the Arowana will jump, particularly when after prey.
After breeding, the male Silver Arowana is responsible for carrying the large eggs in his mouth where they mature in 50 to 60 days. When young, these fish are easily harassed by more aggressive species such as Cichlids. Knifefish, large Plecostomus, Catfish, and Ornate Bichirs make good tank mates for the Silver Arowana.
A carnivore, the Silver Arowana will eat other smaller fish, water fleas, mosquito larvae, as well as freeze-dried ocean plankton, krill and pellet foods.
Care
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Colour Form: Black, White. Silver
Diet: Carnivore
Max Size: 90cm
Origin: Peru
Family: Osteoglossidae
Tank Size: 800L
Temperature: 25-28c
pH: 6.0-7.0
*Product Photo is for reference only. Exact fish may vary in size and colour
