Description
Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
Family: Osteoglossidae
Origin: South America (Amazon, Rupununi, and Oyapock River basins)
Size: Up to 35 inches (90 cm) in the wild; typically 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) in aquariums
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years (can live longer in ideal conditions)
Tank Zone: Top dweller (surface swimmer and jumper)
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 100 – 250 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 24 – 30°C (75 – 86°F)
Hardness: 3 – 12 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Long, sleek, metallic silver with large scales and elegant movements
Nickname: Known as the “Dragon Fish” due to its majestic appearance and surface-gliding swimming style
Mouth: Bony tongue and upturned mouth adapted for surface feeding
Jumping Ability: Can leap over 3 feet (1 m) to catch prey
Behavior: Juveniles are peaceful but adults may show territorial or predatory behavior
🍽️ Food
Type: Carnivorous surface feeder
Diet: Live or frozen foods such as prawns, fish, crickets, mealworms, superworms, and shrimp; can adapt to pellets formulated for Arowanas
Feeding: Once or twice daily — avoid overfeeding; provide varied diet to maintain color and health
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 250 gallons (950 L) for adults — larger tanks strongly recommended
Filtration: Powerful filtration with strong oxygenation; excellent water quality is essential
Decor: Open swimming space with minimal sharp decor; floating plants and subdued lighting preferred
Cover: Tight-fitting lid (Arowanas are notorious jumpers)
Water Change: 25–30% weekly; stable parameters required
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: Best kept singly (can be aggressive or territorial with other surface predators)
Tank Mates: Large, peaceful bottom/mid-level fish — Stingrays, Bichirs, Silver Dollars, Clown Loaches, large Plecos
Avoid: Small fish (they’ll be eaten), fin-nippers, and aggressive species (Cichlids, Oscars, etc.)
✅ Do’s
Keep in a large, covered tank with open swimming area
Maintain stable, warm, and clean water
Feed a variety of meaty foods for proper nutrition and color
❌ 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
⭐ Quick Tips
One of the most majestic freshwater giants — a true showpiece fish
Silver Arowanas are intelligent and can recognize their owners
Requires commitment, large space, and proper handling to thrive
