The Asian Arowana: Caring for the Regal Dragon Fish

What’s up, fish fanatics? It’s Tim Priest here, back with another deep dive into the wondrous world of aquariums. Today, we’re going to talk about the majestic and enigmatic Asian Arowana – the king of fish! Why? Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of royalty in their fish tank? 🐟👑

The Asian Arowana: A Fish Fit for a King

The Asian Arowana, also known as Scleropages formosus, is a large, beautiful, and mysterious fish that’s got the aquarium community buzzing like a shoal of neon tetras on a Red Bull bender. They’re quite the looker, but they’re not for everyone. So, buckle up, friends, because we’re about to embark on a deep dive into the realm of this regal fish!

Appearance: A Beauty You Can’t Miss

The Asian Arowana is quite the stunner. With its elongated body, large scales, and a face only a fish enthusiast could love, it demands attention like the Queen of England at a fish and chips shop. They come in various colors, including red, gold, green, and blue, depending on their origin.

These fish are also known as “dragon fish,” thanks to their striking appearance, which includes a pair of barbels that resemble whiskers. Think of them as underwater mustachioed dragons!

💡 Fun Fact: The Asian Arowana is considered to bring luck and prosperity in some Asian cultures. No wonder they’re so sought after!

Guys and Gals: Who’s Who?

Sexual dimorphism isn’t too pronounced in the Asian Arowana, making it a bit tricky to tell the lads from the ladies. However, males tend to have slightly longer and more pointed dorsal fins, while females have a slightly rounder body. To make matters even more confusing, these differences only become noticeable when the fish reach sexual maturity. So, if you’re planning on breeding them, you’ll need to pay close attention and maybe even consult a fish fortune teller. 🔮

Size Matters: How Big and How Fast?

The average size of an Asian Arowana is between 24 and 36 inches (60 to 90 cm) in length. They can grow at a rate of around 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) per month during their first year of life, with growth slowing down as they age.

A Long Life Ahead

Asian Arowanas have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, but some specimens have been known to live up to 25 years! That’s a long time to spend with a fish friend, so be prepared for a lasting relationship when you bring one of these beauties home.

The Palace: A Tank Fit for Royalty

For an Asian Arowana, a minimum tank size of 120 gallons (450 liters) is required. However, I’d recommend going with a 180-gallon (680-liter) tank to provide ample swimming space and accommodate a few tankmates. Just remember, the bigger the tank, the happier your Arowana will be – it’s like giving them their very own underwater castle! 🏰

Water Parameters Fit for a King

Asian Arowanas thrive in water with a temperature between 75 and 86°F (24 and 30°C), a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, general hardness (dGH) of 1-12, and carbonate hardness (dKH) of 1-8. Regular water changes and proper filtration are essential to keep your Arowana healthy and swimming like royalty.

Diet: A Feast for the Dragon Fish

Feeding the Asian Arowana is no small task. These carnivorous fish have a voracious appetite, so here’s a list of their favorite meals:

1. Insects (grasshoppers, crickets, mealworms)
2. Small fish (feeder fish, goldfish)
3. Shrimp (brine shrimp, mysis shrimp)
4. Earthworms
5. Krill
6. Frozen fish fillets
7. Pellets specially formulated for Arowanas

Feed your Arowana 2 to 3 times daily, making sure not to overfeed them. Remember, a well-fed Arowana is a happy Arowana!

Habitat Requirements: A Royal Domain

Asian Arowanas prefer a densely planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas. Make sure to include driftwood and rocks for them to explore. These fish are known jumpers, so a secure lid on your tank is an absolute must. You wouldn’t want your regal fish to make a daring escape, would you?

Behavior and Temperament: The Royal Attitude

Asian Arowanas are semi-aggressive and territorial, especially when it comes to sharing their kingdom. They can be moody and prefer to be the center of attention. While they’re not schooling fish, they do appreciate the company of other Arowanas, just as long as there’s enough space for everyone to coexist peacefully.

Tankmates: Friends and Foes

Ideal tankmates for the Asian Arowana include:

1. Bichirs
2. Clown loaches
3. Datnoids
4. Discus
5. Giant gouramis
6. L-number plecos
7. Oscars
8. Parrot cichlids
9. Silver dollars

Some bad tankmates to avoid are:

1. Small fish (they’ll become dinner!)
2. Aggressive cichlids
3. Territorial bottom-dwellers
4. Fin-nipping fish
5. Fish that require significantly different water parameters

Breeding: A Royal Affair

Breeding Asian Arowanas in captivity is a challenging endeavor, but not impossible. Males build bubble nests at the water’s surface, and females lay their eggs within. After fertilization, males guard the eggs in their mouths for about 50 days until they hatch. Once the fry emerge, they’ll need a separate tank with pristine water conditions and a protein-rich diet to grow strong and healthy. Breeding these fish can be rewarding but requires patience and dedication – kind of like a royal love story! 👑❤️

Hybrids, Variants, and Morphs: A Royal Lineage

There are several hybrid variants and morphs of the Asian Arowana, resulting from both natural occurrences and selective breeding. Some of the most sought-after variants include:

1. Red Arowana
2. Golden Arowana
3. Green Arowana
4. Blue Arowana
5. Crossback Arowana

These unique color variations can fetch a pretty penny, with some specimens costing thousands of dollars!

Diseases and Illnesses: Royal Pains

Like any fish, Asian Arowanas are susceptible to certain illnesses. Some common issues include:

1. Ich: Treat with Seachem ParaGuard, which contains malachite green to combat the parasite.
2. Fin rot: Use API MelaFix, a melaleuca oil-based medication that helps repair damaged fins.
3. Dropsy: Hikari Prazipro is a praziquantel-based treatment effective against internal parasites that cause dropsy.

Always keep a close eye on your Arowana and maintain a clean, stable environment to prevent diseases.

Origin and Native Range: From the Far East

Asian Arowanas are native to Southeast Asia, with populations found in countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. They inhabit slow-moving rivers, blackwater swamps, and peat bogs, where they reign as the top predators.

Taxonomy: A Regal Family Tree

The Asian Arowana is closely related to other Arowana species in the aquarium hobby, such as the Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) and the Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai).

Wrapping Up: A Royal Send-Off

So, there you have it, fellow fish fanatics – the ins and outs of the Asian Arowana, a truly majestic and regal fish. If you decide to embark on the Arowana adventure, remember that these fish are a long-term commitment and require special care. But in return, they’ll grace your aquarium with their beauty and charm, and who knows, maybe even bring you some luck and prosperity! 😉

TL;DR:

• Asian Arowanas are beautiful, large, and semi-aggressive fish
• They need a spacious tank (180 gallons recommended) and specific water parameters
• A carnivorous diet and suitable tankmates are crucial
• Breeding is challenging but possible
• Watch for common diseases and treat them accordingly

Tim Priest

Tim Priest, a renowned aquarium expert with over 15 years of experience in aquatic gardening and fish education, is dedicated to helping enthusiasts create stunning and thriving aquatic environments. As the founder of LearnTheAquarium.com, Tim shares his wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise through engaging articles, educational resources, and personalized advice.

Discover the secrets to creating captivating underwater landscapes and maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Join Tim on an exciting journey and let your aquarium adventure begin!