Arowana

Found in the Amazon flood plains in 1829, the Osteoglossum bicirrhosum was first described by Vandelli. More commonly known as the Silver Arowana, this fish is a predator that can grow to 47 inches in length. A graceful swimmer that spends much of its time near the surface, the Arowana will also jump, so a good aquarium cover should be used. While it prefers live food, it will sometimes adapt to pellet foods when kept in the aquarium. Safe only with other fish too large to swallow, you should avoid fin nippers that might startle the Arowana causing it to try to jump and crash into the top cover. In the wild, the male will mouth brood the eggs for 50-60 days before it releases the babies that are already about 4 inches long. Unless the aquarium is huge, 300+ gallons, the Arowana should be kept as a single specimen. The entire body is a silver color with a hint of red color to the fringes of the tail fin. Care should be taken when treating with parasite medications, as the Silver Arowana will usually require a half dose treatment.

Approximate Arrival Size for Arowana: Medium: 4" to 6", Large: 6" to 8"