Albino Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)

Albino Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)

The Albino Silver Arowana is a rare and highly prized variant of one of the most iconic predatory fish in the hobby. Featuring a sleek, elongated body with shimmering white to pale gold coloration and striking red eyes, this albino form elevates the already majestic Silver Arowana into a true showpiece.

Native to the Amazon Basin, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum is known for its powerful, surface-dwelling behavior and signature upturned mouth, designed for hunting prey at the water’s surface. Albino specimens enhance this presence with a luminous, almost glowing appearance under aquarium lighting, making them a centerpiece in any large predator setup.

Highly intelligent and responsive, Arowanas often recognize their keepers and display interactive behavior. However, they are also strong jumpers and require secure, well-planned aquariums.

Care & Husbandry

Tank Size:
A minimum of 180 gallons is required for juveniles, but 250–300+ gallons is strongly recommended for adults. Long, wide tanks with tight-fitting lids are essential due to their size and jumping ability.

Diet:
Carnivorous predator with a strong feeding response:

• High-quality carnivore pellets (training recommended early)
• Frozen foods such as shrimp, silversides, and fish fillets
• Live foods (feeder fish, insects like crickets/mealworms) for enrichment
• Occasional treats like earthworms or cockroaches

Avoid over-reliance on feeder fish to reduce disease risk.

Tank Mates:
Only compatible with large, robust species:

• Compatible: Large cichlids (oscars, datnoids), stingrays, bichirs, large catfish
• Use Caution: Other arowanas (territorial), similarly sized predators
• Avoid: Small fish (will be eaten), aggressive fin-nippers, overly territorial species

Tank mates must be too large to be considered prey.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75–82°F
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Excellent filtration and regular water changes are critical due to bioload