Arowana FAQs

Arowana.Co's FAQs

As an aspiring Arowana fish keeper, you've got a lot of questions and we are here to help those with an interest to learn!  We have all been there as a newbie aquarist just getting into keeping fish in an aquarium and there was many unanswered questions and confusion in the beginning stages.

Are Arowanas illegal in the US?

Yes and no.  There are a handful of species perfectly legal in the states.  The Silver Arowana (including the Albino & Leucistic variations), the Black Arowana (also known as the Blue Arowana), the Leichardti Arowana, the Jardini Arowana, African Arowana and if you consider this closely related bony-tongue fish to be one, the Arapaima.  

The Asian Arowana is a fish that has been banned from being imported into the US since the 1980s.  No, we cannot and will not get this fish for you, no matter how much money you offer us.  We abide by the rules.  For the meanwhile, let's all admire these beauties via the internet or during our international travels.  

How big of a tank does an Arowana need?

Bigger than most people expect. A single juvenile can start in a 75-125 gallon tank, but adult Silver, Jardini, and Black Arowanas commonly reach 2-3 feet and need at minimum a 6-8 foot long tank (180-300+ gallons) to turn around comfortably and stay healthy long-term. This is a serious long-term tank commitment, not a fish to buy before you have the space for the adult size.

Why do Arowanas jump, and how do I stop it?

Arowanas are surface-oriented ambush predators and are famous jumpers, especially when startled or chasing food near the surface. A secure, weighted lid with no gaps is mandatory, not optional. Losing an arowana to a jump is one of the most common, and most preventable, ways keepers lose this fish.

What do Arowanas eat?

In the wild they are opportunistic surface feeders. In the aquarium, a varied diet works best: quality pellets formulated for large predatory fish, plus appropriately sized feeder options like crickets and shrimp. Avoid feeder goldfish as a primary long-term diet. Ask us in-store about a feeding routine suited to your specific arowana's size and species.

What water parameters do Arowanas need?

Arowanas are fairly adaptable but do best in warm water (around 78-82 F), a stable neutral pH, and clean, well-filtered water with low nitrates. Because of their size and bioload, strong filtration and consistent water changes matter more for this fish than precise chemistry.

Can Arowanas live with other fish?

Yes, with the right tankmates. Arowanas are predatory and will eat anything small enough to fit in their mouth, so tankmates need to be large, fast, and not fin-nippers that could damage the arowana's long fins. Ask us for tankmate suggestions based on your specific setup.

How long do Arowanas live, and how big do they get?

With good care, arowanas are a genuine long-term commitment. Many species regularly live 10-20+ years in captivity. Adult size commonly reaches 2-3 feet, occasionally larger for Silver Arowanas. This is a fish you're committing to for a very long time, not a short-term purchase.

Have a question we didn't cover?

Stop by our San Diego location or reach out through our Contact Us page, we're happy to help with anything specific to your setup.