Best Arowana Fish for Your Home Aquarium

The Arowana fish, AKA bonytongue or the dragonfish, is a fascinating freshwater fish that has captivated aquarists and fish aficionados for generations. These beautiful creatures' distinct appearance, fascinating behaviours, and cultural significance as lucky fish for aquarium—often referred to as "vastu fish"—make them valuable inhabitants of tanks worldwide.

Arowanas are part of the Osteoglossinae subfamily, which also includes bonytongues such as the arapaima. Their elongated bodies are coated in enormous, shimmering scales, which frequently include a mosaic pattern. They have a bony head and a characteristic upturned mouth. One distinguishing trait is the existence of a "bony tongue" on the mouth's floor, complete with teeth that grind against similar teeth on the roof of the mouth. This particular anatomy is considered to help crush prey. The average life span of Arowana fish is 10 - 20+ years when proper care is taken and grows about 3+ feet depending on species.

Types of Arowana fish

There are many different types of Arowana fishes. some popular fishes are Asian Arowana, Golden Arowana, Crimson Arowana, Chili red Arowana, Cross back Arowana, Silver Arowana, Jardini Arowana, Australian Arowana. Lets know their features.

Asian Arowana

These arowana are the most valuable and can be extremely expensive, particularly in certain color variations. They are native to Southeast Asia and have been considered as a symbol of riches and good fortune by many cultures. Asian Arowana has numerous subspecies, which include:

Golden Arowana

The most common form of Asian Arowana, with a captivating gold color.

Crimson Arowana

This fish, also known as the Blood Red Arowana, is valued for its rich red coloration.

Chili Red Arowana

This is a variant of the Red Arowana with an even stronger red color.

Crossback Arowana

This Arowana is named because the striking gold markings on its back that resemble crosses.

Silver Arowana

Also Known as Pirarucu, this is the largest species of arowana, growing up to 4 feet in length. They are native to South America and have a silvery hue with a black stripe running down their body.

Jardini Arowana

This Arowana is native to Southeast Asia and recognized by its greenish-blue color.

Australian Arowana

Sometimes known as the Saratoga, is native to Australia and New Guinea. They are a popular aquarium fish because of their modest size and gentle attitude.

Black Arowana

The Black Arowana (Scleropages macrocephalus) is a compelling species distinguished by its deep, almost black hue that sets it apart from other arowanas. Its dark, glossy scales shine with a faint sheen, giving it a beautiful and intriguing appearance. This stunning fish is less common in home aquariums than its more familiar siblings, making it a standout addition to any collection.

The Black Arowana's uniqueness and distinctiveness are complemented by its beautiful swimming style and stunning size, making it a popular option among serious aquarists looking to add a touch of elegance to their aquatic setup.

Platinum Arowana

Platinum Arowana (Scleropages sp.) is a rare and highly sought-after kind of Arowana known for its magnificent appearance. The remarkable platinum or silvery-white shine of this fish gives it an extraordinarily attractive and unusual appearance. The reflective quality of its scales can produce a fascinating visual effect, making it a valuable item among aquarium aficionados and collectors.

Because of its scarcity and difficulty in breeding, the Platinum Arowana fetches a high market price. Its elegant colors and scarcity make it an attractive option for those looking to add a touch of luxury and distinction to their home aquarium.

Indonesian Arowana

The Indonesian Arowana (Scleropages sp.) is a distinctive species that lives in Indonesia's rich, biodiverse seas. This Arowana is known for its spectacular appearance and may display a range of color morphs, including vivid golds, reds, and silvers, each with unique patterns and tints.

Its scarcity in the aquarium trade adds to its attraction, making it a popular option among serious fish aficionados and collectors. The Indonesian Arowana is regarded not just for its attractive appearance, but also for its intriguing behavior and adaptability. Because of its stunning beauty and distinct traits, it is still a desired addition to home aquariums across the globe.

Red Tail Golden Arowana

The Red Tail Golden Arowana (Scleropages sp.) is a visually appealing animal known for its fascinating look. This Arowana has a dazzling golden body that gleams with a warm, lustrous tint, making a stunning contrast with its vibrant red tail. The combination of glistening golden scales and brilliant red tails makes it a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts.

This arowana's distinctive hue not only improves the aesthetic appeal of any home aquarium, but also contributes to its standing as a desirable specimen among collectors. Its amazing appearance and rarity make it an excellent choice for people looking for a remarkable and elegant fish.

Blue Arowana

The Blue Arowana (Scleropages legendrei) is known for its distinctive blue-toned scales, which distinguish it from other Arowana species. This specific variety is in high demand due to its distinct and attractive tint. Its glittering blue hues produce a visually striking impact in home aquariums, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and collectors both.

The Blue Arowana's unique appearance and limited availability contribute to its fascination, making it a must-have fish for those wishing to improve the aesthetics of their aquarium. Its scarcity and unique hue make it an excellent choice for any sophisticated aquarium setup.

Tip: Buyers beware! Don't be fooled by super red, blood red, or chilli red arowanas! These are simply normal red arowanas marketed under fanciful labels to raise their worth.

How to Choose an Aquarium for Arowana Fish?

When setting up an arowana tank, the first thing to consider is the tank size.
Here are some golden rules that one must keep in mind:

Arowana is a large fish. As a result, it stands to reason that a giant fish would require a large tank.

The absolute minimum tank size for a single arowana (with perhaps a few tank mates) is:

• 220 gallons (6' x 2.5' x 2') for a South American arowana.

• 120 gallons (4' x 2' x 2') for an Australian or Asian arowana.

You must also consider the width of the tank, because even when the fish grows longer than the tank's width, they are still flexible enough to turn around if given enough room.

Glass thickness of tanks should never be compromised. Arowanas are strong enough to break glass less than half an inch thick and remember that the top lid of the tank should not contain any gaps.

• Temperature: 72–82°F

• pH: 5.5-7

• Ammonia: 0 ppm

• Nitrites: 0 ppm

• Nitrates: 40 ppm

These parameters should be maintained regularly.To remove extra waste products, aim for weekly water changes ranging from 25 to 50%.

Check out Beginners guide for setting up a Fish aquarium at home.