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.
Australian Pearl Arowana At a Glance
Australian Pearl Arowana Tank Requirements
Will Australian Pearl Arowana fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Australian Pearl Arowana needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Australian Pearl Arowana against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Australian Pearl Arowana Water Parameters
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Australian Pearl Arowana Temperament & Compatibility
Australian Pearl Arowana Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult
The fully mature standard form. Extremely aggressive and capable of serious injury to other fish. Strictly recommended to be kept as a solitary specimen in a very large tank.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Fully Grown, Adult Jardini, Standard
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juvenile stage commonly sold in the trade. Grows very rapidly and needs pristine water quality and high-protein foods. While occasionally tolerant of similar-sized tank mates when young, they will inevitably become hyper-aggressive as they mature. Must be upgraded to an adult-sized enclosure quickly.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Juvenile Jardini, Young
Australian Pearl Arowana Care Guide Summary
The Australian Pearl Arowana, scientifically known as Scleropages jardinii, 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 highly aggressive, this species primarily occupies the surface zone of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Australian Pearl Arowana requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 800 litres and a tank length of at least 200 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Australian Pearl Arowana is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: 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.
Australian Pearl Arowana Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Australian Pearl 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.
Australian Pearl Arowana Compatibility Notes
Classified as highly aggressive, the Australian Pearl 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, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. 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 Australian Pearl Arowana
How big does Australian Pearl Arowana get?
Australian Pearl Arowana (Scleropages jardinii) 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 Australian Pearl Arowana need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 800 litres and a tank length of at least 200 cm are recommended for Australian Pearl Arowana. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Australian Pearl Arowana need?
Australian Pearl Arowana thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–30°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Australian Pearl Arowana peaceful or aggressive?
Australian Pearl Arowana is classified as highly aggressive with an aggression score of 9 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Australian Pearl Arowana live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Australian Pearl Arowana should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Does Australian Pearl Arowana have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Australian Pearl 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 Australian Pearl Arowana need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Australian Pearl 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 Australian Pearl Arowana
These plants pair well with Australian Pearl 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
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Australian Pearl 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.
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.
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.
Fahaka Puffer
Tetraodon lineatus
A massive, highly intelligent, and extremely aggressive freshwater pufferfish native to the Nile, Senegal, and Niger rivers. Often referred to as 'water dogs' due to their owner recognition and begging behavior. They are strictly solitary pets that will relentlessly attack and kill any tank mates. They require a diet of hard-shelled invertebrates to keep their ever-growing teeth trimmed.
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
Exodon paradoxus
The Bucktooth Tetra is a highly active, predatory shoaling fish infamous for its scale-eating (lepidophagous) behavior. They are extremely aggressive and will strip the scales, fins, and even eyes off almost any tankmate. They must be kept in a species-only tank in large groups (12+) to disperse their intense conspecific aggression; otherwise, they will systematically kill each other.
Australian Smelt
Retropinna semoni
A slender, silvery schooling fish native to Australia. They are pelagic and found in huge numbers in the wild across freshwater rivers, billabongs, and brackish estuaries. Known for their distinct cucumber-like odor when handled. In the aquarium, they are highly sensitive to handling and require mature, stable water with plenty of open swimming space. Best kept in single-species setups or with very peaceful, temperate tank mates.