Asian Arowana

Looks how to spot one

scales

Large, cycloid scales with a delicate net pattern of raised ribs. The body is long and slender, with a large oblique mouth, two barbels on the lower jaw, and elongated pectoral, dorsal and anal fins set far back. The caudal fin is large.2

Personality what they are like

A territorial, surface-dwelling predator that is best kept alone or with very large, robust tank mates. It is a powerful jumper and will leap for food. It is diurnal and patrols its territory in a slow, deliberate manner.25

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs a very large aquarium (minimum 250 gallons for an adult, ideally 528 gallons or more) with plenty of open swimming space and a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping.35

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Requires stable water conditions with weekly water changes of 30-50%. High dissolved oxygen is important, so use external filters, powerheads or airstones. A bare-bottomed tank is acceptable, but live plants can be added as long as swimming space remains.1

Home where they are happiest

Soft, slightly acidic water is preferred (pH 5.0-8.0, hardness 36-268 ppm, temperature 22-30°C). In the wild it inhabits blackwater rivers, swamps, flooded forests and slow-moving deep rivers with overhanging vegetation. A tight-fitting cover is essential as it is a prodigious jumper. Not recommended for beginners due to the large tank and expense.213

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous surface feeder. In captivity it accepts live foods such as crickets, shrimp, mealworms, small frogs and earthworms, as well as prepared foods like prawns, frozen fish food and pellets. Do not feed mammalian or avian meat as these can cause health problems.21

Company who they like around

Best kept as a solitary fish. It is territorial and aggressive toward its own kind. It can cohabit with very large, robust species such as large cichlids or stingrays only in an extremely large aquarium or pond. It is illegal to keep in some countries (e.g. the United States) without special permits due to CITES Appendix I listing.31

The story where it all began

The Asian arowana has been highly valued in the aquarium trade since the 1970s, especially in East Asia where its resemblance to a dragon is believed to bring wealth, luck and strength. Overfishing and habitat loss led to its listing on CITES Appendix I in 1975. The first successful captive breeding was in 1981, and commercial aquaculture began in 1989. Today, registered CITES breeders in Asia produce microchipped fish for legal trade. The green form is the most common and least expensive, while the gold crossback and super red varieties are the most coveted and expensive.261

Recognised by the official bits

CITES

Listed on Appendix I since 1975, meaning international commercial trade of wild specimens is banned. Captive-bred individuals from registered breeders are legal with microchip and documentation.1