Description
Green Arowana (Scleropages formosus “Green”)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Scleropages formosus “Green”
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 (can live longer with proper care)
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: Metallic greenish-gray with iridescent scales, long and streamlined
Nickname: “Asian Dragon Fish” due to its beauty, elegance, and cultural significance
Mouth: Bony tongue with upward-facing mouth for surface feeding
Jumping Ability: Can jump 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, fish, crickets, mealworms, and insects; can adapt to high-quality pellets formulated for Arowanas
Feeding: Once or twice daily — avoid overfeeding; maintain varied diet for healthy growth and vibrant coloration
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 250 gallons (950 L) for adults — larger tanks preferred
Filtration: Strong filtration with high oxygenation; stable water quality is essential
Decor: Open swimming space with minimal sharp objects; floating plants and driftwood preferred
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’ll 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 ensure 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
Highly prized ornamental fish in Asia — combines beauty, intelligence, and longevity
Green Arowanas are sensitive, intelligent, and can recognize their owners
Requires a large tank, proper care, and commitment to thrive
