Description
Malaysian Red Arowana (Scleropages formosus “Malaysian Red”)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Scleropages formosus “Malaysian Red”
Family: Osteoglossidae
Origin: Malaysia (freshwater rivers and peat swamps)
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: Vibrant red or reddish-orange with metallic scales, long and streamlined
Nickname: “Malaysian Dragon Fish” due to its striking color and elegance
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 health, growth, and vibrant coloration
🛠️ 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
Malaysian Red Arowanas are prized for their deep red coloration and strong, elegant body
Intelligent and interactive — can recognize their owners
Requires large tanks, proper care, and long-term commitment to thrive
