Arowana Fish Care Guide: Tank Size, Diet & Legal Tips for India

The arowana, often called the dragon fish, is one of the most majestic and sought-after freshwater fish in the world. Revered in Asian cultures as a symbol of wealth, power, and good fortune, the arowana commands respect both for its beauty and its demanding care requirements. These are not fish for beginners or the faint-hearted — arowanas require massive tanks, specialized diets, and a significant financial commitment. This guide covers everything you need to know before bringing one of these magnificent predators into your home.

What Are the Different Types of Arowana?

Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus)

The most prized and expensive variety. Includes the Super Red, Cross Back Golden, Red Tail Golden, and Green arowana. Asian arowanas are endangered in the wild and are CITES-listed, meaning they require documentation and microchipping for legal ownership. They grow to 60-90 cm (24-36 inches) and are the most sought-after variety for their intense coloration and cultural significance.

Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)

The most common and affordable arowana species. Native to South America, silver arowanas grow to an impressive 90-120 cm (36-48 inches), making them one of the largest freshwater aquarium fish. They have sleek, silver bodies with large, reflective scales. More readily available and less restricted than Asian varieties.

Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai)

Juveniles are strikingly black with yellow-orange banding that fades to a dark silver-grey as adults. Similar in size to silver arowanas, growing up to 100 cm. They are slightly more delicate than silver arowanas, especially as juveniles.

African Arowana (Heterotis niloticus)

Less commonly kept in aquariums. Grows up to 100 cm and is a filter feeder unlike other predatory arowanas. Less visually striking but an interesting species for dedicated keepers.

What Tank Size Does an Arowana Need?

This is where most prospective arowana keepers face reality. Arowanas are large, active fish that need enormous tanks. Selecting the right size is critical — see our aquarium size guide for general principles.

• Juvenile (under 30 cm): Minimum 300 litres (80 gallons), but this is temporary
• Sub-adult: Minimum 600 litres (160 gallons)
• Adult Silver/Black: Minimum 1000 litres (265 gallons), ideally 1500+ litres
• Adult Asian: Minimum 800 litres (210 gallons)
• Tank dimensions: Length is critical — at least 2.5 times the fish's adult length. A tank at least 180 cm (6 feet) long and 60 cm (2 feet) wide is the minimum for adults

Many serious arowana keepers build custom tanks or dedicate entire rooms to their fish. Arowanas that are kept in tanks too small develop spinal deformities, drop eye syndrome, and behavioral problems.

How Do You Prevent Arowana From Jumping?

Arowanas are legendary jumpers. In the wild, they leap out of the water to catch insects, birds, and small mammals from overhanging branches. In captivity, this behavior persists and is the number one cause of arowana death. Your tank must have a tight-fitting, heavy lid with no gaps. Weighted lids, latches, or clamps are essential. Even a small gap can be exploited by a determined arowana. Many keepers use acrylic or glass lids with silicone seals around equipment openings.

What Water Parameters Do Arowanas Need?

Arowanas require pristine water quality. Their large size and heavy bioload demand powerful filtration — typically a large sump system or multiple canister filters. Read more about maintaining ideal water parameters.

• Temperature: 24-30°C (75-86°F)
• pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (absolutely critical)
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
• Water hardness: 1-8 dGH (soft to moderately hard)

Large weekly water changes of 25-30% are essential. Arowanas are sensitive to sudden parameter swings, so always match temperature and treat new water with dechlorinator.

What Diet Does an Arowana Carnivore Need?

Arowanas are surface-dwelling predators. In the wild, they eat insects, small fish, frogs, and even small birds. A captive arowana diet should be varied and protein-rich:

• Staple foods: Market prawns (deveined, shell removed), high-quality carnivore pellets
• Protein variety: Crickets, mealworms, superworms, grasshoppers
• Occasional treats: Small feeder fish (quarantined first to prevent disease), frogs, earthworms
• Supplements: Vitamin-soaked foods to prevent nutritional deficiencies
• Avoid: Goldfish as feeders (low nutrition, disease risk), mammalian meat, fatty foods

Juveniles should be fed 2-3 times daily. Adults can be fed once daily or every other day. Overfeeding leads to fatty liver disease, a common killer of captive arowanas.

What Is the Vastu Significance of Arowana?

In Indian homes and businesses, the arowana holds special significance according to Vastu Shastra. The arowana's large, coin-like scales and golden coloration symbolize wealth and prosperity. Many business owners keep golden arowanas in their offices or shop entrances to attract financial success. The fish's commanding presence is believed to ward off negative energy and bring good fortune to the household.

What Are the Legal Considerations for Arowana in India?

Before purchasing an arowana in India, understand the legal landscape:

• Asian arowanas are CITES Appendix I listed. They require proper documentation, a CITES certificate, and a microchip for legal ownership. Only captive-bred, farm-raised specimens with valid paperwork can be legally sold.
• Silver and black arowanas are not CITES-listed and can be legally purchased without special permits in India.
• Always buy from reputable dealers who provide proper documentation. Illegally imported Asian arowanas can be confiscated, and the owner may face penalties.
• Price range in India: Silver arowanas start from INR 500-2,000 for juveniles. Asian arowanas range from INR 50,000 to several lakhs depending on the variety, color intensity, and paperwork.

What Are Common Arowana Health Issues?

Drop Eye Syndrome

One or both eyes permanently gaze downward. Caused by fatty deposits behind the eye, often from overfeeding or being kept in tanks with reflective bottoms. Prevention is key — use dark substrates and avoid overfeeding.

Gill Curl

The gill plate curls outward, exposing the gill filaments. Usually caused by poor water quality or inadequate oxygenation. Early-stage gill curl can sometimes be corrected by improving water conditions. Severe cases may require surgical intervention by a specialist.

Anchor Worms and Parasites

Visible worm-like parasites attached to the body. Often introduced through live feeder fish. Quarantine all live food before offering it to your arowana. Treat with anti-parasitic medication as directed.