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Silver Arowana© David J. Stang / CC BY-SA 4.0

Silver Arowana

The Silver Arowana is a striking primitive fish native to the Amazon River basin. With its elongated, silver-flashing body, large scales, and graceful gliding motion just beneath the water's surface, it's one of the most eye-catching freshwater fish around. Growing to roughly 90 cm, it develops real presence in a tank and can become surprisingly responsive to its owner, often approaching the surface at feeding time. That said, a large aquarium and a secure, jump-proof lid are essential, along with careful water quality management, making this a fish best suited to experienced keepers.

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About Silver Arowana

Silver Arowana is a large primitive fish from the Amazon basin, known for its silver body and graceful surface-gliding swim. Growing to about 90 cm, it's a striking but advanced-level freshwater fish requiring a large, secure tank.

7 things to know before welcoming a Silver Arowana

  1. 1A Large Tank Is Essential

    Silver Arowanas grow to about 90 cm, so they need a tank with enough length and depth to match their size, upgraded as they grow.

  2. 2Secure, Jump-Proof Lid

    This fish is a powerful jumper and tends to swim near the surface, making tanks without a lid prone to jumping accidents. A sturdy, well-secured lid is a must.

  3. 3Advanced-Level Care

    Silver Arowanas are considered suitable for experienced keepers. Managing water quality, feeding, and tank setup for a large fish takes solid prior knowledge before bringing one home.

  4. 4Best Kept Alone

    They are territorial and can clash with tankmates, especially similarly sized fish. If mixing species, carefully consider compatibility and tank size.

  5. 5Carnivorous with a Large Mouth

    With an upward-facing mouth built for snatching insects and small fish near the surface, it's a true carnivore. Anything small enough to fit in its mouth can become prey, so choose tankmates carefully.

  6. 6Sensitive to Water Changes

    This fish doesn't tolerate sudden shifts in water quality or temperature well. Regular water changes and consistent filtration help keep it healthy.

  7. 7Becomes People-Friendly

    Silver Arowanas can recognize their owner and often swim up to the surface at feeding time. Many keepers enjoy the personality that develops over time.

Frequently asked questions about Silver Arowana

Q.Is the Silver Arowana suitable for beginners?
A.Silver Arowanas are considered a fish for experienced keepers. Between managing a large tank and preventing jumping accidents, there's a lot of preparation involved, so it's best to have some tropical fish experience first.
Q.How big a tank do I need?
A.Since they can grow to about 90 cm, you'll need a large tank sized for their adult size. Many keepers upgrade tank size in stages as the fish grows.
Q.Can it live with other fish?
A.Because it's territorial and carnivorous, tankmates need careful thought. Anything small enough to fit in its mouth may be eaten, so calmer fish of a similar size are a safer choice.
Q.Does it jump out of the tank?
A.Silver Arowanas are strong jumpers and swim near the surface, so jumping accidents are common without precautions. A secure, well-fitted lid is essential.
Q.Is the Silver Arowana subject to CITES?
A.The Silver Arowana is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Silver Arowana care

💧Aquarium Volume CalculatorCalculate water volume, weight, and heater wattage from tank dimensions🧪Water Quality CheckerFind compatible fish, shrimp, plants & corals based on pH, temperature & hardness🍽️Feeding GuideCheck feeding frequency, portion sizes & supplements by species and growth stage🤝Compatibility CheckerCheck compatibility between two species on a 5-level scale📊Fish Compatibility MatrixCheck fish compatibility at a glance with our matrix chart🔄Nitrogen Cycle GuideAuto-calculate bacteria colonization timeline for new tank cycling🗓️Seasonal Care CalendarMonthly care events and seasonal management tips at a glance🚿Water Change CalculatorAuto-calculate optimal water change frequency and volume by tank size and fish count🐠Stocking CalculatorCalculate max fish capacity for your tank size with overstocking alertsElectricity Cost SimulatorCalculate monthly and annual electricity costs for care equipment with presets🧬Breeding PlannerSelect parent varieties to view breeding schedules and offspring patterns🏞️Tank Layout PlannerGet substrate, plant & hardscape suggestions based on tank size and style🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity⚖️Species Comparison ToolCompare two species side by side: care difficulty, size, lifespan & temperature🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets📋Lifetime Cost SimulatorEstimate lifespan and lifetime costs by species for dogs, cats, reptiles and more🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance💊Medication Dosage CalculatorCalculate proper medication dosage by body weight and medicine type for fish, reptiles, and small animals⏱️Quarantine & Acclimation TimerManage quarantine periods and acclimation steps with countdown timers. Includes recommended durations by species

Learn more about Silver Arowana in the encyclopedia

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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

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