Arowana Fish Care Guide & Buying Tips (Asian, Silver & More in the U.S.)

Introduction: If you're looking for one of the most majestic and legendary fish in the aquarium hobby, the Arowana is at the top of the list. Known as the dragon fish, Arowanas are prized for their sleek body, graceful movement, and power. Whether you're interested in a Silver Arowana, Asian Arowana, or Black Arowana, these fish command attention—and require serious care.

In this complete guide, we'll break down:

• The different types of Arowana available

• How to set up the perfect Arowana tank

• Legal restrictions in the U.S.

• What to feed them

• And most importantly: where to buy Arowanas online with confidence

Types of Arowana (Species Breakdown):

1. Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)

• Most common in U.S. aquarium trade

• Can grow up to 3–4 feet

• Highly active; powerful jumpers

• Great beginner monster fish (with proper tank)

2. Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus)

• The holy grail of Arowanas

• Available in Red, Gold, and Green variants

• Requires CITES paperwork to be legal in the U.S.

• Highly territorial and prized for spiritual symbolism

3. Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai)

• Rare, dark variant similar to Silver

• Juveniles display striking color contrast

• Needs very clean water and soft lighting

4. Jardini Arowana (Scleropages jardinii)

• Extremely aggressive; best kept alone

• Smaller than Silver but more territorial

• Native to Australia and prized for gold/silver sheen

Best Tank Setup for Arowanas:

Feature	Recommendation
Tank Size	Minimum 250–300 gallons for adult Silvers
Lid	Airtight, weighted—Arowanas are extreme jumpers
Substrate	Bare bottom or fine sand
Tankmates	Avoid small fish; use large catfish, bichirs, oscars
Filtration	High-flow sump or dual canisters
Lighting	Moderate; too much can stress them out
Decor	Minimal—they need open space to swim

Arowana Feeding Guide: Arowanas are carnivores with big appetites. Rotate diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies:

• Frozen or fresh shrimp

• Tilapia chunks

• Earthworms and bloodworms

• High-quality floating carnivore pellets

• Avoid goldfish feeders (disease risk)

Shop Arowana-safe food kits here → (Insert product link)

Arowana Legality in the United States:

Type	Legal in U.S.?	Notes
Silver Arowana	✅ Yes	Widely sold
Black Arowana	✅ Yes	Less common
Asian Arowana	✅ With CITES permit	Must be captive-bred and tagged
Jardini	✅ Yes	No permit needed

Always check your state's exotic species laws before purchase. Contact RobsAquatics.com for permit help.

Where to Buy Arowanas Online: Not all sellers are created equal. At RobsAquatics.com, we:

• Offer captive-bred Silver and Black Arowanas

• Provide Live Arrival Guarantee

• Ship with oxygen, insulation, and temperature control

• Show real videos before you buy

Shop Available Arowanas 

 

Arowana FAQs: Q: What is the best tank size for a Silver Arowana? A: Minimum 250 gallons, ideally 300+.

Q: Can I keep Arowanas with other fish? A: Only with similarly sized, fast/aggressive fish like large catfish or cichlids.

Q: Are Asian Arowanas legal in the U.S.? A: Yes, but only with a valid CITES permit and from certified breeders.

Final Thoughts: Arowanas are not casual fish—they’re icons of the monster fish world. With the right setup, feeding, and care, they offer years of beauty and excitement.

Ready to start? Shop Arowanas today at RobsAquatics.com or message us directly for a recommendation.