Silver Arowana - Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)

The Silver Arowana is a spectacular large freshwater predator admired for its long metallic body, surface-hunting behaviour and powerful, graceful swimming style. Native to South America, this species is best suited to very large mature aquariums or specialist predator systems with excellent filtration, secure covers and carefully chosen tankmates. Although juveniles are often sold at a manageable size, this fish grows very large and should only be chosen by aquarists with a long-term housing plan.

Common Name:
Silver Arowana, Silver Arawana, South American Arowana, Dragon Fish, Monkey Fish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Maximum Size:
Approximately 90–100 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Silver Arowana originates from South America, including the Amazon River basin, Rupununi and Oyapock River systems.

In the wild, it is strongly associated with surface waters, flooded forests, slow-moving rivers, tributaries and marginal areas where it hunts from the upper water levels.

It is an impressive surface-feeding fish that naturally takes insects, small fish and other prey from or near the water surface.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–30°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low with strong filtration and regular water changes
Copper: Avoid use unless under specialist guidance

Temperament:
Predatory / Semi-Aggressive

Silver Arowana are generally not aggressive in the same way as territorial cichlids, but they are large predatory fish and will eat smaller tankmates that fit in their mouth.

They are best kept with robust fish of suitable size in a carefully planned large-fish community. Avoid small fish, delicate species and overly aggressive tankmates that may harass or damage the arowana.

Diet:
Carnivore / Surface Predator

The Silver Arowana naturally feeds heavily from the surface and should be offered a varied meaty diet.

Suitable foods include quality floating predator pellets, river shrimp, prawns, mussel, cockle, white fish pieces, earthworms, crickets and other suitable insect-based foods.

Avoid feeder fish, as they can introduce disease, encourage poor feeding habits and are not a balanced long-term diet.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 900–1,000 litres for long-term care

A very large aquarium footprint is essential, with length and width being more important than height alone.

Juveniles grow quickly, so they should not be purchased for small aquariums unless a suitable upgrade is already planned.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Silver Arowana spends most of its time cruising the upper levels of the aquarium.

It is a powerful jumper and may leap when startled, feeding or chasing prey, so a heavy, secure and well-fitted lid is essential.

This species can become confident and responsive to its keeper, but it can also be easily startled in cramped or exposed aquariums.

Community Suitability:
Large Predator Community / Tank Buster

The Silver Arowana is suitable only for very large aquariums with carefully selected tankmates.

Suitable companions may include large peaceful to semi-robust fish that are too large to be swallowed, such as larger catfish, large characins, sizeable plecos, large peaceful cichlids with caution and other compatible predator-community fish.

Avoid small tetras, guppies, rasboras, small barbs, small corydoras, shrimp, crabs, fin-nippers, aggressive cichlids, territorial fish that may attack the fins, and any fish small enough to be eaten.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This is a true giant freshwater fish and should be planned for as an adult, not bought based on juvenile size.

A large aquarium with excellent filtration, high oxygenation and regular maintenance is essential.

Provide open swimming space, subdued areas and minimal sharp décor to avoid injury.

A secure, weighted lid is critical because Silver Arowana are powerful jumpers.

Maintain excellent water quality, as large predatory fish produce heavy waste.

Handle with care and avoid sudden movements around the aquarium, as startled arowana may injure themselves against the lid, glass or décor.

This species is best suited to experienced aquarists with previous large-fish or predator-fish experience.

Suitable for:
Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, supplier and size.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.