30 Essential Tips for Successfully Keeping Arowana Fish
Thinking about bringing home an Arowana? You're in for a wild ride — in the best way.
These fish are stunning, powerful, and dripping with personality. But here's the truth most shops won't tell you: they are not beginner-friendly.
Get the setup right, though, and you'll own one of the most mesmerizing living things you can put in your home.
So let me walk you through everything I've learned — from picking the right type, to building their tank, to spotting a healthy fish before you hand over your cash.
3.5 ft
Full-grown length of a Silver Arowana
220 gal
Minimum tank size for a Silver
15–20 yrs
Typical lifespan — this is a long commitment
First, Know Your Arowana
Here's the thing: not all Arowanas are the same.
Some are gentle. Some are aggressive. Some need a swimming pool's worth of space, and some are just... dramatic.
Before you fall in love with a fish, you need to know exactly what you're signing up for.
Silver Arowana
The gentle giant from South America. Grows up to 3.5 feet and stays relatively calm — the best pick if you want an easier temperament.
Black Arowana
Similar to the Silver but grows slower and sports a darker, moodier coloration.
Australian Arowana
Feisty and not a fan of roommates. On the plus side, it tolerates slightly cooler water.
Asian Arowanas
Green, Red Tail Golden, Golden “Crossback,” Banjar — the true showstoppers on color, but also more territorial and far pricier.
Picked a type? Good. Now comes the part that makes or breaks the whole thing.
Tank Setup: Go Big or Don't Go Arowana
I can't stress this enough — these fish need space. And I mean a lot of it.
A full-grown Arowana can be longer than your arm, and they're powerful swimmers who cover ground fast.
Cram one into a small tank and you're setting up for a short, unhealthy life. Let's break down what a proper setup actually looks like.
The non-negotiables of an Arowana tank
- Tank sizeAbsolute minimum is 220 gallons for a Silver. Asian or Australian types can get by with 120 gallons — but bigger is always better.
- Reinforced glassArowanas are strong enough to crack thin glass. Go thick and sturdy.
- A secure lidThese guys are jumpers — think fishy gymnasts. Without a lid, they will leap right out of the tank.
- Open swimming spaceSkip the fancy decor. Arowanas want room to cruise, not obstacles to dodge.
- Heavy-duty filtrationThese are big, messy fish. Canister, sump, or trickle filters are your friends.
Water quality: get this dialed in
You can nail everything else and still lose a fish to bad water. Here's the target zone.
Ideal water parameters
| Parameter | Target |
|---|---|
| Ammonia | 0 ppm |
| Nitrites | 0 ppm |
| Nitrates | Below 40 ppm |
| Temperature | ~86°F (30°C) |
| pH | 6.0–7.0 |
Feeding Arowanas: Think Like a Predator
Forget flakes. Forget your average tank pellets.
Arowanas are carnivores through and through. A few might accept high-protein pellets after some training, but at heart they want to hunt.
Young Arowanas
Feed twice a day while they’re growing fast.
Adults
Once a day is plenty — resist the urge to over-serve.
What to feed
Live foods like crickets, worms, feeder fish, and insects. Frozen shrimp and shellfish work once they’re older. Keep it high-protein.
Now, about their attitude — because personality matters here.
Temperament: Not a Team Player
Here's where a lot of new owners get burned.
Most Arowanas — with the Silver and Black being the mellower exceptions — are territorial and don't play nicely with others. Especially their own kind.
“If you're dreaming of a tank full of Arowanas, you'll need a massive space and a lot of luck. Start with one.”
Quick poll
Be honest — how many Arowanas are you tempted to keep?
Choosing a Healthy Arowana
When you're finally at the shop, don't just point at the prettiest fish in the tank.
A gorgeous Arowana with a hidden health problem is a heartbreak waiting to happen. Look closely — here's your checklist.
- Eyes are clear — not cloudy or bulging
- Scales are shiny and even, none missing or damaged
- Fins are intact and spread, not clamped or torn
- Mouth closes properly, no swelling or pus
- Barbels are even and point straight forward
- Gills are bright red with steady, easy breathing
- Fish is alert and active, not sluggish
- Buying purely on looks and ignoring the signs above
Ask the right questions before you buy
The fish's history tells you almost as much as its appearance.
- How long has this fish been at the shop?
- Where did it come from?
- Does it come with proper paperwork?
Let's tie it all together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Honestly, not really. They need large tanks, pristine water, careful feeding, and can be territorial. If you’re new to fishkeeping, get a season or two of experience under your belt before committing to one.
It depends on the type. Silver Arowanas can reach around 3.5 feet, while Asian and Australian types tend to stay somewhat smaller. Either way, plan for a fish longer than your arm.
A well-cared-for Arowana can live 15 to 20 years. This is a serious long-term commitment, not an impulse buy.
Only with caution. Most types are territorial and aggressive toward their own kind. It takes a massive tank and a lot of luck. For most people, one fish per tank is the safe answer.
They’re carnivores. Live foods like crickets, worms, feeder fish, and insects are ideal, with frozen shrimp and shellfish for older fish. Some can be trained onto high-protein pellets.
They’re natural surface-feeders and powerful jumpers by instinct. A secure, heavy lid isn’t optional — it’s essential to keep your fish safe.
A minimum of 220 gallons for a Silver, or around 120 gallons for smaller Asian and Australian types. When in doubt, size up.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.