What size tank does a fully grown Asian Arowana need?

An absolute minimum for a solitary adult is a tank with an 8x3 foot footprint (roughly 1700 to 2000 litres). They are large, inflexible fish that need ample room to turn around without stunting their growth or damaging their spine.

Why does my Arowana need a CITES certificate and a microchip?

Asian Arowanas are listed on CITES Appendix I as an endangered species, meaning wild collection and international trade of wild specimens is illegal. Captive-bred specimens must be microchipped and certified to prove they were legally farmed and not poached.

Why is my Arowana's eye looking down all the time?

This is a common condition known as 'Drop Eye'. While the exact cause is heavily debated, it is widely believed to be caused by a build-up of fatty tissue behind the eye due to an overly rich diet, trauma from hitting the glass, or a combination of genetics and constantly looking downwards at the floor of a bare-bottom tank.

Can I keep two Asian Arowanas together in the same tank?

Keeping exactly two Arowanas usually results in disaster, as the dominant fish will relentlessly attack the other. To keep multiple Arowanas, they must be kept in groups of six or more in a gigantic tank or pond to spread out the aggression, though this is still risky.

Why is the edge of my Arowana's gill curling outwards?

Gill curl is primarily caused by poor water quality, specifically high ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate levels, combined with a lack of swimming space. If caught early, improving water conditions can reverse it, but severe cases require surgical trimming by a qualified aquatic veterinarian.

FreshwaterTropicalAdvanced

Asian Arowana

Scleropages formosus

A majestic and culturally revered apex predator, the Asian Arowana is the ultimate centrepiece fish for advanced monster fish keepers.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 26 – 30 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
Adult size: 60 – 90 cm
1000L absolute minimum for a single adult (an 8x3 ft footprint is highly recommended): 1,000 litres+
Lifespan: 15 – 25 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Open swimming space at the top, minimal surface obstruction, heavy and completely secure lid is mandatory.

About the Asian Arowana

Often referred to as the 'Dragon Fish' due to its large, armour-like scales and prominent barbels, the Asian Arowana is one of the most sought-after freshwater fish in the world. As an apex surface predator native to the blackwaters of Southeast Asia, it commands respect both for its striking appearance and its demanding care requirements. Due to its status as an endangered species, all legal Asian Arowanas in the trade are captive-bred, CITES-certified, and microchipped.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Asian Arowana comes from

Native range

Southeast Asia, Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia

Countries / regions

Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar

Habitat

Slow-moving blackwater rivers, forest streams, and swamps with overhanging vegetation.

Wild populations are severely depleted due to historical overfishing for the aquarium trade and habitat loss.

Similar species

Silver Arowana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
Australian Pearl Arowana
Scleropages jardinii
Black Arowana
Osteoglossum ferreirai

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Freshwater Stingrays
Potamotrygon spp.
Occupy the bottom of the tank, growing large enough to avoid predation while keeping out of the Arowana's top-water territory.
Great
Indo-Pacific Tarpon / Datnoid
Datnioides microlepis
Large, robust mid-water dwellers that are too big to be eaten and can handle the Arowana's temperament.
Great
Giant Gourami
Osphronemus goramy
Grows to a substantial size and generally possesses a placid demeanour that does not provoke the Arowana.
Great
Other Arowanas
Highly intolerant of conspecifics. Can only be kept together in massive ponds or in highly stocked groups of 6+ to disperse severe aggression.
Compatible with caution
Small Tetras and Rasboras
Will be immediately viewed as prey and consumed.
Not recommended

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