Description
Golden Arowana (Crossback Golden) (Scleropages formosus “Crossback Golden”)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Scleropages formosus “Crossback Golden”
Family: Osteoglossidae
Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam)
Size: Up to 36 inches (90 cm) in the wild; typically 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) in aquariums
Lifespan: 15 – 20 years
Tank Zone: Top dweller (surface swimmer and jumper)
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 50 – 250 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 7.0
Temperature: 24 – 30°C (75 – 86°F)
Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Vibrant golden body with uniform metallic scales covering the entire back, creating a “crossback” pattern
Nickname: “Golden Dragon Fish” for its bright coloration and majestic appearance
Mouth: Bony tongue and upward-facing mouth adapted for surface feeding
Jumping Ability: Can leap over 3 feet (1 m) to catch prey
Behavior: Juveniles are peaceful; adults may show territorial or predatory behavior; highly intelligent
🍽️ Food
Type: Carnivorous surface feeder
Diet: Live or frozen foods such as shrimp, prawns, fish, crickets, mealworms, and insects; can accept high-quality Arowana pellets
Feeding: Once or twice daily — avoid overfeeding; varied diet ensures health, growth, and vibrant coloration
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 250 gallons (950 L) for adults — larger tanks preferred
Filtration: Powerful filtration with strong oxygenation; maintain excellent water quality
Decor: Open swimming space with minimal sharp objects; floating plants and driftwood recommended
Cover: Tight-fitting lid required (excellent jumpers)
Water Change: 25–30% weekly; maintain stable parameters
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: Best kept singly (territorial as adults)
Tank Mates: Large, peaceful bottom/mid-level fish — Silver Dollars, Bichirs, Clown Loaches, large Plecos
Avoid: Small fish (they may be eaten), fin-nippers, or aggressive species
✅ Do’s
Keep in a large, covered tank with open swimming area
Maintain stable, warm, and clean water
Provide varied diet to enhance color and growth
Use floating plants or subdued lighting to reduce stress
❌ Don’ts
Don’t house with small or slow-moving fish
Don’t keep in tanks under 6 feet in length for adults
Don’t neglect water quality — sensitive to ammonia/nitrite
Don’t expose to strong direct light for long periods
⭐ Quick Tips
Crossback Golden Arowanas are highly prized for their bright, uniform golden scales covering the back
Intelligent, interactive, and can recognize their owners
Requires large tanks, proper care, and long-term commitment to thrive
