Description
Banjar Red Arowana (Scleropages formosus “Banjar Red”)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Scleropages formosus “Banjar Red”
Family: Osteoglossidae
Origin: Indonesia (Borneo – South Kalimantan, Banjar region)
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 – 200 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 7.0
Temperature: 24 – 30°C (75 – 86°F)
Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Deep red or reddish-orange with metallic sheen; elegant long body
Nickname: “Banjar Dragon Fish” due to origin and vibrant red coloration
Mouth: Bony tongue and upward-facing mouth for surface feeding
Jumping Ability: Can leap over 3 feet (1 m) to catch prey
Behavior: Juveniles are peaceful; adults may become territorial or predatory; 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 proper growth, health, and vibrant color
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 250 gallons (950 L) for adults — larger preferred
Filtration: Strong filtration with high oxygenation; excellent water quality essential
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 water 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, 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
Banjar Red Arowanas are prized for their deep red color and strong body structure
Highly intelligent, interactive, and can recognize their owners
Requires large tanks, proper care, and long-term commitment to thrive
