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Silver Arowana

Silver Arowana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

   "The Arowana gives us a view of our ancient prehistoric world, the world during the Jurassic age. The Arowana is one of only a few living examples of this group." 

   One of the most interesting fish it gets rather large. A 48 inch specimen, although rare, will need an aquarium of at least 100 gallons just ot turn around!  These fish are jumpers so make sure the top of the aquarium is covered.

What's in the name?
Osteoglossum means "bone tongue"
bicirrhosum   "two barbels"

Description:
   A long fish with silvery scales there are blue, red, and green highlights that develop as the fish grows older.  The mouth is at the top of the body and opens in three pieces.

Care and feeding:
   These fish will generally eat all kinds of live foods. Sometimes they will accept large flakes or pellets which is desireable in order to give them a balanced nutrition.

Distribution:
   These fish are found in the Amazon Flood plains.

Size - Weight:
   These fish get up to 47 inches (117 cm). Usually they are much smaller in aquariums, usually 24 to 30 inches is a good sized Arowana.

Social Behaviors:
   They are generally not a good community fish. Only small specimens can be kept together and with other fish.  As they get older their size and the fact that they eat other fish makes them unsuitable for any but the largest of tankmates.

Sexual Differences:
   The male has a longer anal fin.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   These fish will swim in the top of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Hardness:   8-12° dGH
   Ph:             6.5 to 7.0
   Temp:        (75-86° F) 24-30° C

Breeding/Reproduction:
    Water parameters for breeding are the same as for general maintenance above.  Feed large amounts of live food to induce spawning.  The eggs are up to 1/2 inch in diameter.  The male will brood them in his mouth.   After 50-60 days the eggs will develop and produce fry which have and obvious eggsak. They are 3-4 inches long before this is gone and they will feed entirely on their own.

Availability:
  This fish is available from time to time.

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