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.
Asian Arowana At a Glance
Asian Arowana Tank Requirements
Will Asian Arowana fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Asian Arowana needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Asian Arowana against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Asian Arowana Water Parameters
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Asian Arowana Temperament & Compatibility
Asian Arowana Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult (Standard)
The fully grown adult form. Requires exceptionally large, custom-sized aquariums (minimum 8 feet long) to allow for safe turning without spinal injury.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Arowana, Jumbo
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juveniles are typically sold at 10-15cm. They possess an extremely rapid growth rate and will quickly outgrow standard aquariums. A 250L tank is suitable only for the first few months of life.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Arowana, Fingerling
Asian Arowana Care Guide Summary
The Asian Arowana, scientifically known as Scleropages formosus, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 90 cm and have a compressed body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the surface zone of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Asian Arowana requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 1000 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 26°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Asian Arowana is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Adult (Standard) 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.
Asian Arowana Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Asian Arowana, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline. Useful additions include 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.
Asian Arowana Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Asian Arowana is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Arowana
How big does Asian Arowana get?
Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 90 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Asian Arowana need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 1000 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm are recommended for Asian Arowana. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Asian Arowana need?
Asian Arowana thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 26–30°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Asian Arowana peaceful or aggressive?
Asian Arowana is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Asian Arowana live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Asian Arowana should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Does Asian Arowana have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Asian Arowana benefits from smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Asian Arowana need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Asian 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.
Plants That Suit Asian Arowana
These plants pair well with Asian Arowana based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Asian 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.
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
Datnioides microlepis
A massive, deep-bodied ambush predator highly prized by monster fish keepers for its striking black and gold 'tiger' stripes. Native to the freshwater rivers of Southeast Asia, they possess huge mouths and will consume any fish small enough to fit. They are notoriously shy when young but grow into bold, impressive centerpieces. Due to intense conspecific aggression, they should be kept entirely solitary or in groups of 4 or more to disperse bullying.
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Wallago attu
An apex predator native to South and Southeast Asia, infamous for its immense size, huge mouth, and voracious predatory nature. It will consume any tank mate that fits into its capacious mouth and is known to bite aggressively when handled. This species is utterly unsuitable for standard home aquariums and requires an enormous custom pond or public aquarium setup.
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
An iconic North American game fish occasionally kept by 'monster fish' enthusiasts. They are highly intelligent, robust, and voracious apex predators with cavernous mouths capable of swallowing surprisingly large prey. Because of their massive adult size, rapid growth, and heavy bioload, they are strictly suited for massive custom aquariums or indoor/outdoor ponds.
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
One of the most iconic and widely kept aquarium fish. Renowned for their incredible colors, hardiness, and prolific breeding. As livebearers, they give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry. Males constantly pursue females for mating; therefore, a ratio of at least 2 females per male is strongly recommended to disperse stress.