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.
Silver Arowana At a Glance
Silver Arowana Tank Requirements
Will Silver Arowana fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Silver Arowana needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Silver Arowana against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Silver Arowana Water Parameters
Water care products
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Silver Arowana Temperament & Compatibility
Silver Arowana Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
The fully mature form. Requires an extraordinarily large tank (minimum 8 feet long) with a heavily weighted, secure lid due to their explosive jumping capability. Generally peaceful with fish too large to eat, but fiercely territorial against other Arowanas.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult Arowana, Full Grown Arowana
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Baby Arowanas often sold with their yolk sacs just absorbed. They grow astonishingly fast (often 1-2 inches per month). While they can temporarily be housed in smaller aquariums, they will require an 8-foot tank within their first year to prevent stunting and 'drop-eye'.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Arowana, Fingerling, Juvenile
Albino / Platinum (Adult)
A highly sought-after color morph lacking normal pigmentation. Care, sizing, and extreme tank requirements are identical to the standard Silver Arowana.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Albino Arowana, Platinum Arowana, Snow White
Silver Arowana Care Guide Summary
The Silver Arowana, scientifically known as Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 100 cm and have a compressed body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the surface zone of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Silver 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 24°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.
The Silver Arowana is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard (Adult), Juvenile (Grow-out), and Albino / Platinum (Adult). 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.
Silver Arowana Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Silver 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.
Silver Arowana Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Silver 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, 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.
Feeding products
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Frequently Asked Questions About Silver Arowana
How big does Silver Arowana get?
Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 100 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Silver Arowana need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 1000 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm are recommended for Silver Arowana. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Silver Arowana need?
Silver 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 1–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Silver Arowana peaceful or aggressive?
Silver Arowana is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Silver Arowana live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Silver Arowana should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Does Silver Arowana have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Silver 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 Silver Arowana need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Silver 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 Silver Arowana
These plants pair well with Silver 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 Silver Arowana
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 Arowana
Heterotis niloticus
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.
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.
Agassiz Cory
Corydoras agassizii
A peaceful, bottom-dwelling armored catfish native to the Amazon River basin. They are easily identified by their silvery body with dark spots and a distinct black mask over their eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are highly social and must be kept in groups. A soft sand substrate is absolutely essential to protect their delicate sensory barbels as they forage.
Piraiba
Brachyplatystoma filamentosum
One of the largest freshwater fish in the world, native to the Amazon Basin. It is a highly active, migratory apex predator. This 'Monster Fish' is almost entirely unsuitable for home aquaria, requiring an enormous, custom-built heated indoor pool or public aquarium setting for its adult life stage.
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.