Source: Wikimedia Commons
Black Arowana
AdvancedOsteoglossum ferreirai
A large osteoglossid from the Rio Negro system. Juveniles are dark with a yellow lengthwise stripe, changing to a bluish-violet sheen as they grow. Adults reach 90cm and need a very large tank and a secure lid.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
24〜30℃
Lifespan
15+ years
Size
Up to about 90cm
Diet
Fish flesh, prawns, insects, frozen foods
About
Osteoglossum ferreirai, described in 1966, is restricted to the Rio Negro basin of the Amazon. It reaches 90cm TL. Juveniles are dark brown with a bright yellow lengthwise stripe; as they grow the stripe fades and the fish becomes darker than the silver arowana, with a violet-blue sheen. FishBase gives a habitat temperature of 24-30C. The Rio Negro is blackwater - strongly acidic and very soft - so alkaline or hard water should be avoided in captivity. Juveniles take bloodworm and small prawns, adults strips of fish flesh and prawns; mammal and bird meat should not be fed. The male mouthbroods eggs and fry. Growth is fast and the fish swims at the surface, so jumping is a real risk: plan for a very large tank with a gap-free lid before acquiring one.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Black Arowana
The Black Arowana lives 15+ years.
Size of the Black Arowana
The Black Arowana grows to Up to about 90cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Black Arowana
The ideal temperature for the Black Arowana is 24〜30℃.
Basic Info
Origin
South America (Rio Negro basin)
Lifespan
15+ years
Size
Up to about 90cm
Care Specifications
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Osteoglossum ferreirai Kanazawa, 1966
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Black Arowana Listings
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