Arowana: maintenance and care

The impressive scale-covered body and long fins of the Arowana, often known as the "dragon fish," make it a striking addition to any aquarium. It transforms into a focal point in any tank with its elegant swimming style and sleek, metallic look. But taking care of an Arowana calls for extra consideration and care. It’s crucial to understand what these fish require to survive because, in addition to being exquisite, they can be quite picky.

To begin with, the Arowana requires a large tank. They enlarge and require a lot of space to swim in. To accommodate their size and make sure they have enough room to move around freely, it’s usually advised to have a tank that holds at least 250 gallons. Since arowanas have a reputation for jumping out of tanks when given the opportunity, a proper tank setup calls for a secure lid.

Another important component of caring for Arowanas is water quality. These fish favor clear, stable-parameter water that has been thoroughly filtered. It’s critical to do regular water changes to maintain the health of their surroundings. In order to preserve their vivid hues and general well-being, they also need a varied diet, which usually consists of live or premium frozen food.

It’s also important to provide the right tank mates. Because of their tendency toward aggression, arowanas may not get along with smaller or weaker fish. A peaceful tank environment can be achieved by selecting companions that are hardy and of a similar size, as this can help avoid conflicts.

All things considered, arowanas can be difficult to care for, but they reward committed owners with their striking appearance and distinctive behavior. Your Arowana can flourish and turn into the focal point of your aquarium with the correct setup and care.

Aspect Details
Tank Size Arowanas need a large tank, ideally at least 250 gallons, to accommodate their size and swimming space.
Water Conditions Keep the water clean and well-filtered. Maintain a temperature between 75-85°F (24-29°C) and a pH level around 6.5-7.5.
Diet Feed them a varied diet including high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods like fish, shrimp, and insects.
Tank Mates Choose large, non-aggressive fish as tank mates. Avoid smaller or aggressive species that might nip at the Arowana.
Lighting Provide moderate lighting. Too much light can stress the fish, while too little can affect their health.
Behavior Arowanas are active and can jump out of the tank. Ensure the tank is covered to prevent escapes.
Health Monitoring Regularly check for signs of disease or stress. Common issues include parasites and poor water quality.

Habitat in nature

You cannot refer to an arowana as an ornamental fish when you first see it. This is due to the fact that while arowanas are small, common aquarium pets, they are actually very large freshwater inhabitants, with some species growing to be more than one meter long in the wild!

This enormous species can be found in the rivers of Australia, Central and Southern Africa, South America (the Amazon basin), Southern China, Burma, and Northern Vietnam. As a result, different habitats—Asian, Australian, and South American—divide the Aryan family based on the number of offspring and species.

By the way, there are only two terms in the specialized literature: "Arovka" and "Aravana," which are not that fundamental.

This fish is a predator; it prefers a slow current that stays away from the main river bed. It does not like swift water. She consumes anything that moves and can be eaten, including larvae, mollusks, frogs, small fish, and water insects. p. Arena has the ability to leap extremely high out of the water and use his mouth to snatch a large beetle or dragonfly off the fly.

The local population has long fished for this large aquatic predator. Additionally, the population is declining overall even though some nations have outlawed its fishing. Arovana is bred in specialized nurseries to meet the needs of aquariums.

AREVEN FISH: Description

The body structure and scale condition are the same in all Aravan family members. The case is sleek and lengthy, bending like a snake as it moves. The lower portion of the head, just below the lower jaw, may swell severely and take on the shape of a bag, while the muzzle is essentially elevated upward. We’ll talk about its goal later.

The fish was given the nickname "dragon" in East Asian countries due in part to the structure of all known species’ scales. The large, extremely hard scales are packed closely together to resemble a shell. However, the fish is still able to move quite gracefully despite having these scales.

They have low, hard fins.

  • The dorsal and ventral fins, as a rule, start from the middle of the body and pass into the tail at the back.
  • The pectoral fins cannot be called large, but they are quite dense and powerful.
  • The color of the fins usually matches the color of the body.

It’s possible for the color to change. Another way to put it is that there are as many variations as there are possible color schemes. Silver, green, pearl, black, gold, and even platinum "dragons" can be found in both natural and aquarium settings.

The round eyes have a bright black pupil and are slightly convex.

Arowana size varies according to where they live. While "Asian" and "Australian" species are larger, ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 meters, South American species are only 40 to 80 cm in size.

Interesting facts

Origin

This fish is thought to be extremely old. Osteoglossiformes, or arowana-like, actually first appeared more than 100 million years ago. How was that calculated?

It’s very straightforward: fish imprints discovered on the remains of old rock formations perfectly match those of living specimens. Scientists conducted an analysis and approximated the age of these fossils, which ranged from 45 to 145 million years.

There is a belief in China that "river dragons" will bring prosperity and well-being to the home. Since ancient times, wealthy Chinese have kept these fish in their homes as a means of attracting wealth. Eventually, the Old World saw the fashion’s spread.

Cost

One cannot refer to Arovana as a budget pet. Fries up to 15 cm in length can be purchased for $25. Absurd breeds and rare species can fetch far higher prices.

Fry can be purchased at bird markets for about 800 rubles, but it’s not a given that they’ll thrive in a home aquarium because vendors frequently try to sell their wares as soon as they arrive. Fish accustomed to Asian water cannot adjust to new conditions and will therefore perish. In a pet store, it is safer to overpay a few hundred rubles to get a pet moved to a nearby water source.

Nonetheless, arowanas are not often found for sale because it is hard to categorize this fish as popular. These goods are typically delivered according to order. To obtain arowana, you can also follow different sites that sell and buy them. Many vendors want to tell prospective customers about the appearance of such exotic fish as a whole.

Each grown specimen in high-end nurseries has a microchip implanted in it that allows for the determination of its species, age, and nation of origin. Furthermore, upon purchasing a specimen, the parameters of this chip are input into the pertinent documentation. Naturally, an adult fish raised in one of these nurseries is extremely valuable.

For instance, a 40-centimeter platinum arowana that has been housed in a Singaporean businessman’s aquarium for many years was offered for the amazing sum of 80,000 US dollars, but the owner steadfastly refused to part with his "dragon."

Features of behavior

The arowana appears to hang in the water column while hunting, defying the current. Any swimming prey that comes within striking range will be suddenly and powerfully jerked, its mouth gaping wide open to capture the victim.

The predator has the ability to leap to great heights and seize small birds and other creatures from tree branches that hang over the water.

Abrupt bursts of intense light frighten arowanas. For this reason, the light source in the aquarium itself is turned on after the room’s general lighting.

The intelligence of "dragons" has been proven. They grow accustomed to their owner, learn to recognize him, and even accept food from hands with composure. However, they dislike big, human-run businesses. Having loud parties in the vicinity of this ornamental giant’s residence is not advised.

Conditions of maintenance

It’s obvious that a fish this size also requires a sturdy aquarium. It doesn’t have to be very tall, but it must be at least 1.2 meters long and have a capacity of 250 liters for each person. The pet must have unrestricted movement.

There should always be a lid on the aquarium. It should have something heavy on it because adult arowanas can easily topple it. It is important to consider the strength of the "banks" because a strong fish can easily shatter thin glass.

The necessary water parameters are fairly standard: temperature between +20 and +30 °C, pH between 5.0 and 7.5, and hardness between 5 and 15 °dH.

Water quality needs to be monitored regularly. For this, a strong filter that can continuously pump three to four volumes of aquarium water per hour is appropriate. Every week, at least 30 to 50% of the water needs to be replaced.

Aquarium plants with a robust root system should be chosen for planting, and it is ideal to place vegetation in the background or on the sides. If not, the decorative grass will be removed. A lot of experts suggest growing plants in pots.

River sand with coarse grains or fine, well-rolled gravel make up the soil substrate.

Although lighting can be dimmed, it is preferable if the lamp has a feature that allows the light to gradually get brighter.

An awed Arowana lowered her gaze.

Understanding an arowana’s particular requirements is essential to keeping the fish happy and healthy. This article will walk you through all the important facets of caring for a rowana, from creating the ideal environment in your aquarium to controlling their nutrition and well-being. You can make sure that your arowana flourishes and continues to be a gorgeous focal point in your aquatic arrangement by adhering to these easy maintenance guidelines.

Compatibility

The living things climb into the Dragon House, so do not even attempt to throw them into it. And remember to say goodbye if you still choose to do this because all living things will be swiftly and ruthlessly devoured.

A species aquarium should only contain one individual, but if you want to diversify it, you can mix small arowanas with larger botia or angelfish, for example.

Two "dragons" in one aquarium are not worth keeping together because they will always be at odds. "Australians" are particularly hostile to one another.

Feeding

It’s important to anticipate that feeding a large fish body will put a heavy financial strain on the family’s finances because it takes a lot of food. Small live fish, centipedes, crickets, and even mice can be fed to predators.

You shouldn’t, however, restrict yourself to just "live" food. It is advised to gradually transition them to commercial dry foods and frozen foods. Feeding frozen sprats is a positive experience in content practice. Naturally, the portion that is required is already thawed.

Salt and fatty foods should be avoided when planning your diet. Once a week is when fasting days are typically observed to avoid potential obesity.

Giving a feed to something that floats at the top is advised. The truth is that the fish’s eye may "drop," making it impossible for it to raise itself up, if it is continuously scanning the bottom for food. The animal’s life quality won’t be impacted, but its appearance will be damaged. On the other hand, some veterinary gytiopathologists are skilled in performing specialized procedures and can implant eyes.

Bag in yellow.

If you’re willing to put in the necessary time and effort, caring for an Arowana can be a rewarding experience. For these beautiful fish to flourish, they require a large, well-kept aquarium. A good filtration system and routine water changes are necessary to maintain a clean and healthy environment for them.

It’s important to feed your arrowana the proper diet. A combination of premium pellets, live food, and occasionally treats is what keeps them healthy. Arowanas can be aggressive, so it’s also important to keep their tank mates in mind. Selecting species that get along will help keep your aquarium harmonious.

All things considered, arowanas are stunning and magnificent fish that can delight an avid aquarium hobbyist greatly. You can take pleasure in their distinct presence for many years to come by making sure they have the ideal habitat, food, and tank mates. Your arowana will thrive with the correct care, giving your aquatic setup a dynamic touch in addition to survival.

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Contents and food for the.

AROVAN/BRUST OVERSISS/Aquarium situation.

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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