Why is my Silver Arowana's eye looking down?

This is a common condition known as 'drop eye'. It is heavily debated but often attributed to fatty deposits behind the eye from a poor diet, genetic factors, or the fish constantly looking down for food in glass aquariums. Feeding floating foods and varying the diet can sometimes help prevent it.

How fast do Silver Arowanas grow?

They have a phenomenal growth rate, often growing up to 2 inches (5 cm) per month during their first year. This explosive growth is why they must be housed in very large aquariums almost immediately.

Do I really need a heavy lid for an Arowana tank?

Yes, absolutely. Silver Arowanas are naturally adapted to leap out of the water to catch prey. They are incredibly strong and will easily launch themselves out of the tank or smash through flimsy glass lids. A weighted, heavy-duty cover is mandatory.

Can I keep two Silver Arowanas together?

It is generally not recommended in a home aquarium. Arowanas are highly territorial towards each other and keeping two often results in severe fighting. They can sometimes be kept in groups of five or more in massive ponds to disperse aggression, but a solitary specimen is safest for indoor tanks.

Should I feed my Arowana live goldfish?

No. Feeder goldfish are nutritionally poor, high in thiaminase (which blocks vitamin B1 absorption), and frequently carry diseases or parasites that can infect your Arowana. Stick to a varied diet of pellets, insects, and frozen seafood.

FreshwaterTropicalAdvanced

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

A majestic and ancient freshwater predator known for its massive size, surface-cruising habits, and incredible jumping ability.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 30 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 1 – 12 dGH
Adult size: 90 – 120 cm
1500L (absolute minimum for one adult; custom dimensions required): 1,500 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 20 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Low to moderate
Preferred setup: Vast open surface area for swimming. A completely secure, heavy and shatter-proof lid is mandatory. Avoid sharp décor near the top.

About the Silver Arowana

The Silver Arowana is an iconic 'monster fish' native to the Amazon Basin. Often referred to as a 'water monkey' due to its ability to leap out of the water to catch prey from low-hanging branches, it is a fascinating but immensely demanding species. This species is not suited for the casual aquarist; it quickly outgrows standard tanks and requires an exceptionally large enclosure. However, for those with the resources to house them properly, they are one of the most spectacular centrepiece fish in the hobby.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Silver Arowana against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Silver Arowana comes from

Native range

Amazon Basin, Essequibo Basin, Oyapock River

Countries / regions

Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Guyana, French Guiana

Habitat

Slow-moving shallows, swamps, and flooded forests, heavily concentrated near the water surface.

Widespread across much of the Amazon and Orinoco drainage systems.

Similar species

Asian Arowana
Scleropages formosus
Jardini 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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Motor Stingray
Potamotrygon motoro
Occupies the bottom of the tank exclusively, ignoring the Arowana, and grows large enough not to be eaten.
Great
Sailfin Pleco
Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps
Heavily armoured and stays at the bottom or on glass, posing no territorial threat and resisting predation.
Great
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Their deep, tall bodies prevent them from being swallowed, and they are fast enough to avoid occasional chases.
Great
Asian Arowana
Scleropages formosus
Keeping different Arowana species together can result in severe territorial disputes over the surface zone.
Compatible with caution
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Will be immediately viewed as prey and eaten by the Arowana.
Not recommended

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