Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus)

Fish in the family Osteoglossidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameScleropages formosus

FamilyOsteoglossidae

Also known asDragon Fish, Asian Bonytongue, Red/Golden Arowana

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size35 in

Minimum tank size250 gallons

Water parametersTemp 75-86°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-16 dGH

Appearance

Large silver-bodied arowana with metallic red, gold, or green scale sheens depending on strain, an upturned mouth with chin barbels, and long flowing fins.

Difficulty and care for the Asian Arowana

Hard

Origin and habitat

Southeast Asia

Keeper notes

A monster CITES-protected predator that swallows fish and is highly territorial toward conspecifics; legal trade requires microchipped, certified captive-bred specimens with documentation. Powerful jumper needing a sealed lid. Check local import laws — banned in some countries including the USA.

Log Asian Arowana in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Asian Arowana alongside everything else in your reef.

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