Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)

Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)

The Silver Arowana is one of the most iconic freshwater predator fish in the aquarium hobby, known for its sleek, elongated body, metallic silver sheen, and powerful surface-hunting behavior. Native to the Amazon Basin, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum is built for speed and precision, featuring an upturned mouth and barbels that help detect movement at the water’s surface.

Often referred to as a “water monkey,” the Silver Arowana is famous for its ability to leap out of the water to catch prey in the wild. In captivity, this translates to a highly active, intelligent fish that quickly becomes aware of its surroundings and even its owner.

As they mature, Silver Arowanas develop a commanding presence, gliding effortlessly across the top of the aquarium. Their size, behavior, and predatory nature make them best suited for experienced aquarists with large, well-secured setups.

Care & Husbandry

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

Diet:
Carnivorous and surface-oriented feeder:

• High-quality carnivore pellets (best as a staple once trained)
• Frozen foods such as shrimp, silversides, and fish fillets
• Live foods (insects like crickets, mealworms, roaches; occasional feeder fish)
• Earthworms and other invertebrates for variety

Avoid overusing feeder fish to reduce the risk of parasites and nutritional issues.

Tank Mates:
Only suitable with large, non-aggressive species:

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

Tank mates must be too large to fit in the Arowana’s mouth.

Water Parameters:

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