Can beginners keep a Black Arowana?

This species is generally considered suitable for experienced keepers rather than beginners. It's best to build up knowledge of large-tank setups and water quality management before bringing one home.

How large does it eventually grow?

It can grow up to about 90 cm at full size. It's reassuring to prepare a sufficiently large tank early on, with future growth in mind.

Can it be kept together with other fish?

Smaller fish that fit in its mouth may be eaten, so caution is needed. If keeping tankmates, choose fish of similar or larger size.

When does its coloration start to change?

As juveniles they show a black body with yellow stripes, which gradually shifts to a blue-purple sheen as they grow. The pace of this change varies between individuals.

What should it be fed?

It's strongly carnivorous and enjoys crustaceans and live food in addition to formulated feed. Choose a nutritionally balanced diet suited to the individual's condition and size.

Black Arowana

The Black Arowana is a striking primitive fish native to the Rio Negro river system, a tributary of the Amazon. Juveniles display a bold black body marked with yellow stripes, and as they mature their coloration gradually shifts into a shimmering blue-purple sheen — a transformation that keeps the fish visually rewarding to keep long-term. Growing to roughly 90 cm, this stately swimmer needs a spacious tank and a secure, jump-proof lid, and is generally recommended for experienced keepers who can manage its long-term care.

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Black Arowana key facts

Care level: Advanced
Lifespan: 15+ years
Size: Up to about 90cm
Temperature: 24〜30℃
Diet: Fish flesh, prawns, insects, frozen foods
Tank: Adults reach 90cm and need public-aquarium scale housing. The fish swims at the surface and jumps, so cover the whole tank with a heavy lid.
Water Temperature & Quality: 24-30C. Its native Rio Negro is acidic blackwater, so avoid alkaline or hard water. Heavy feeding requires strong filtration.
Tank Mates: Can share space with fish too large to swallow, but fights with conspecifics and congeners. Avoid other surface fish; keep singly.
Diet & Feeding: Juveniles: bloodworm and small prawns. Adults: fish flesh and prawns. Do not feed mammal or bird meat.
Breeding & Spawning: The male mouthbroods eggs and fry. Spawning needs a large water surface and several years to maturity, so it is rarely achieved in ordinary aquaria.
Health & Notes: Jumping is a common cause of loss, so a gap-free lid is essential. Growth is fast - size the system for the adult fish.

TraitsLarge fishAncient fishArowanaFreshwater fishAdvanced

About Black Arowana

A large Amazonian primitive fish that matures from black-and-yellow juvenile stripes into a blue-purple sheen. Reaching about 90 cm, it's best suited to experienced keepers with large tanks.

7 things to know before welcoming a Black Arowana

1Needs a Large Tank
Black Arowana can grow to nearly 90 cm, so a spacious tank with generous length and width is essential in the long run. Plan your tank size with the adult fish in mind from the start.
2Watch for Jumping
Arowanas live near the water's surface and can leap suddenly when startled. A secure, tightly fitted lid with no gaps is a must.
3Color Changes With Age
Juveniles show a black body with yellow stripes, which gradually shifts into a shimmering blue-purple sheen as they mature. Watching this transformation is part of the appeal.
4Demanding Water Care
As a large fish, it produces a lot of waste, so a powerful filter and regular water changes are essential. It's also sensitive to sudden shifts in water quality.
5Best for Experienced Keepers
This species calls for handling experience due to its size and temperament. First-time large-fish keepers should build up knowledge and equipment before bringing one home.
6Choose Tankmates Carefully
Smaller fish that fit in its mouth may be preyed upon, so tankmates should be of similar or larger size. Some individuals can be territorial, so layout matters too.
7Plan Your Space in Advance
A large tank is heavy, so check the floor's load capacity and delivery access beforehand. Since this is a long-term companion, plan the placement and maintenance routine too.

Frequently asked questions about Black Arowana

Q.Can beginners keep a Black Arowana?: A.This species is generally considered suitable for experienced keepers rather than beginners. It's best to build up knowledge of large-tank setups and water quality management before bringing one home.
Q.How large does it eventually grow?: A.It can grow up to about 90 cm at full size. It's reassuring to prepare a sufficiently large tank early on, with future growth in mind.
Q.Can it be kept together with other fish?: A.Smaller fish that fit in its mouth may be eaten, so caution is needed. If keeping tankmates, choose fish of similar or larger size.
Q.When does its coloration start to change?: A.As juveniles they show a black body with yellow stripes, which gradually shifts to a blue-purple sheen as they grow. The pace of this change varies between individuals.
Q.What should it be fed?: A.It's strongly carnivorous and enjoys crustaceans and live food in addition to formulated feed. Choose a nutritionally balanced diet suited to the individual's condition and size.