Few fish command the reverence, beauty, and sheer presence of the Arowana. Often called the “Dragon Fish,” this ancient predator — with its armored scales, upward-facing mouth, and graceful glide — has captivated aquarists in Asia for centuries and is now sought after worldwide as the ultimate centerpiece fish.
But owning an Arowana isn’t just about prestige. It’s a decades-long commitment (they live 15–25+ years in captivity) that demands respect, preparation, and deep understanding. At Aquarium Fish Farm, we’ve raised hundreds of Arowanas — from fragile 5-inch juveniles to 24-inch showpieces — and we’ve learned that success hinges on getting three things right: tank design, feeding strategy, and behavioral awareness.
Here’s your complete, stage-by-stage guide to raising a healthy, vibrant Arowana — whether you’ve chosen a Golden, Super Red, Jardini, or Platinum.
Stage 1: The Juvenile Tank (5–12 inches)
Many buyers start with a 5–7” Arowana, thinking a 55- or 75-gallon tank will suffice “for now.” This is a critical mistake.
Your tank must match their growth rate, not their current size.
Arowanas can grow 1–2 inches per month during their first year. That 5-inch fish becomes 12 inches before you know it.
Tank Requirements:
- Minimum size: 125 gallons for a 5–7” Arowana
- Dimensions matter: Go wide and long (e.g., 72” x 18”), not tall. Arowanas are surface dwellers who need horizontal swimming space.
- Security is non-negotiable: Arowanas are powerful jumpers. Your tank must have a tight-fitting, weighted lid with no gaps.
Setup Tips:
- Use a dark substrate (black gravel or sand) to enhance scale color.
- Avoid sharp decor — Arowanas can injure their delicate barbels on rough surfaces.
- Install strong filtration (2–3x tank turnover per hour) and gentle surface flow — no violent currents.
Stage 2: Feeding for Growth & Color
Arowanas are obligate carnivores. In the wild, they eat insects, small fish, frogs, and even birds that skim the water’s surface. In captivity, nutrition directly impacts growth speed, scale integrity, and color vibrancy.
Ideal Diet Rotation:
- Live/Frozen: Crickets, earthworms, mealworms, silkworms, bloodworms
- Premium Pellets: Hikari Carnivore or Omega One Arowana pellets (soak before feeding)
- Occasional Treats: Small pieces of shrimp, krill, or fish fillet (never goldfish — they carry disease)
Never feed exclusively pellets. Arowanas need chitin (from insects) for digestion and scale development.
Feeding Schedule:
- Juveniles (5–12”): 2–3 small meals per day
- Sub-adults (12–18”): 1–2 meals per day
- Adults (18”+): Every other day
Watch their bellies: A slightly rounded (not bloated) profile means you’re feeding right.
Stage 3: Water Quality — The Silent Foundation
Arowanas are sensitive to poor water, especially ammonia spikes. Their large size = massive bio-load.
Target Parameters:
- Temperature: 78–86°F (Golden/Super Red prefer warmer)
- pH: 6.5–7.2 (Jardini tolerate up to 7.8)
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: < 20 ppm
Maintenance Routine:
- Weekly 30–40% water changes
- Monthly filter media rinse (in tank water only)
- Test water every 3–4 days during growth spurts
Pro Tip: Add Indian Almond Leaves or driftwood to release tannins — they mimic natural blackwater conditions and boost immunity.
Stage 4: Behavior & Bonding
Arowanas are intelligent — they recognize their caregivers, learn feeding cues, and even “beg” at the surface. But stress turns them reclusive or aggressive.
Signs of a Happy Arowana:
- Swimming calmly near the surface
- Bright, alert eyes
- Regular feeding response
- Full, undamaged barbels
Red Flags:
- Hiding constantly
- Clamped fins
- Rubbing on decor (ich or irritation)
- Refusing food for >3 days
Never house with small fish — they’ll be eaten. Compatible tankmates (if any) should be large, peaceful bottom dwellers like certain catfish.
The Long View: Commitment Beyond the Tank
Owning an Arowana means planning for its future. A 24-inch fish needs 200–300+ gallons. If you can’t scale up, consider rehoming through a trusted breeder (we help with this at no cost).
At Aquarium Fish Farm, every Arowana we sell comes with:
- A species-specific care sheet
- A 15-minute video setup consultation
- Lifetime access to our aquarist support team
Because to us, it’s not just a sale. It’s a partnership in preservation.
Final Thought
An Arowana isn’t a pet — it’s a living sculpture, a bridge to ancient ecosystems, and a daily reminder of the beauty of patience, care, and respect. Get the foundation right, and you won’t just keep a fish alive… you’ll witness a dragon come to life.
Ready to begin your journey?
Explore our ethically bred Arowanas — all raised on our farms from egg to juvenile, never wild-caught.