Unlike their South American or Asian counterparts, the African Arowana is a mid-to-bottom dwelling filter feeder that sifts sand for detritus, invertebrates, and small seeds. It is a massive, fast-growing species that requires a highly specialized diet of small sinking foods and an enormous aquarium. They are notoriously skittish and easily spooked.
African Arowana At a Glance
African Arowana Tank Requirements
Will African Arowana fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what African Arowana needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test African Arowana against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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African Arowana Water Parameters
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African Arowana Temperament & Compatibility
African Arowana Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
The fully grown adult African Arowana. Requires a massive custom aquarium (400+ gallons) with a large footprint and fine sandy substrate to protect its delicate sensory barbels while sifting.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult, Full Size, Monster
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young African Arowanas are extremely delicate, skittish, and require near-constant feedings of small sinking foods to prevent starvation. They grow incredibly fast and will quickly outgrow standard aquariums.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Juvenile
African Arowana Care Guide Summary
The African Arowana, scientifically known as Heterotis niloticus, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 100 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the African Arowana requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 1500 litres and a tank length of at least 250 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The African Arowana is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
African Arowana Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the African Arowana, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper and expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
African Arowana Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the African Arowana is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
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Frequently Asked Questions About African Arowana
How big does African Arowana get?
African Arowana (Heterotis niloticus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 100 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does African Arowana need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 1500 litres and a tank length of at least 250 cm are recommended for African Arowana. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does African Arowana need?
African Arowana thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–30°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is African Arowana peaceful or aggressive?
African Arowana is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can African Arowana live with others of its kind?
No. Only one African Arowana should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Does African Arowana have any special tank requirements?
Yes. African Arowana benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does African Arowana need a lid on the tank?
Yes. African Arowana is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for African Arowana
These fish are strong compatibility matches for African Arowana based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Festivum
Mesonauta festivus
Ideal Tank MatesApistogramma Marmor (Marbled Apisto)
Apistogramma erythrura
Ideal Tank MatesAlligator Pleco
Pterygoplichthys scrophus
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesBanded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit African Arowana
These plants pair well with African Arowana based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to African Arowana
Silver Arowana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
A massive, prehistoric-looking surface predator native to the Amazon Basin. Known for their metallic silver scales and incredible jumping ability (used in the wild to catch insects from low-hanging branches). They grow exceptionally fast and require gigantic aquariums. They will consume any tank mate small enough to fit into their large, trapdoor-like mouths.
Australian Pearl Arowana
Scleropages jardinii
A massive, highly aggressive predatory fish native to Australia and New Guinea. Known for its distinct metallic, pearl-like scales and upward-facing mouth designed for surface feeding. It is notoriously territorial and intolerant of tank mates, making it a popular 'wet pet' for solitary setups. It is an absolute tank buster requiring a massive aquarium with a heavy, tightly secured lid to prevent fatal jumping.
African Pipefish
Enneacampus ansorgii
The African Pipefish is a fascinating, needle-thin relative of the seahorse native to West African streams. They are considered an expert-level oddball because they are very weak swimmers and almost exclusively require tiny live foods (like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or micro-fauna). They are highly peaceful but will easily starve if housed with fast-moving community fish that outcompete them for food.
Asian Arowana
Scleropages formosus
A highly prized, CITES-protected 'monster fish' known as the Dragon Fish. They are powerful, surface-dwelling predators that require massive aquariums and pristine water quality. Notorious jumpers, they require heavy, secure lids. Because of intense territoriality, they must be kept strictly solitary or in large 'comm' (community) groups of 5+ to disperse aggression.
African Pike
Hepsetus odoe
The African Pike is a formidable and fascinating predatory fish native to West and Central Africa. With its elongated, torpedo-shaped body and a mouth full of prominent sharp teeth, it is a surface-dwelling ambush predator that requires a massive aquarium. Best kept by advanced aquarists, they are heavily piscivorous and will consume any fish that fits in their mouths, though they are generally tolerant of similarly sized, robust tank mates.
African Butterfly Fish
Pantodon buchholzi
A fascinating, prehistoric-looking surface dweller native to the slow-moving waters of West Africa. They are strictly top-dwelling ambush predators with a completely flat back and upturned mouth designed to hunt insects and small fish. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory as they are exceptional jumpers capable of gliding above the water.