Arowanas are popular in the aquarium hobby. And they outgrow most fish in home aquariums.
So how big do arowanas grow?
How Big Do Arowanas Grow in Aquariums?
Arowanas have the potential to grow up to 2 to 3 feet in length in aquariums.
However, there is no guarantee that every arowana will reach this size.
There are a lot of factors that directly impact their growth, especially in captive environments.
Arowanas need a high-protein diet to satiate their appetite and meet their growth requirements.
These fish also need a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and adequate filtration to maintain water quality.
Moreover, they also need appropriate lighting, temperature control, and a stable tank environment.
Their genetics can also influence their growth. And some species of arowanas are known to grow larger than others.
So it’s recommended to research and purchase young arowanas from reputable stores.
Keeping these fish as pets can be challenging due to their high maintenance and expensive care.
However, with proper care, good genetics, and a conducive environment, you can help your arowanas achieve maximum growth in an aquarium.
How Big Do Arowanas Grow in The Wild?
Like most fish species, arowanas grow larger in the wild than captive environments.
The average size of arowanas found in the wild is up to 3 feet in length.
However, there have been instances where large arowanas were spotted in the wild.
These fish inhabit the rivers, lakes, and other freshwater bodies of Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America.
Arowanas are predatory fish characterized by their large mouths containing sharp teeth.
They are carnivores with a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects in their natural habitat.
How to Enhance Arowana Size?
Given below are a few tips that can enhance the size of your arowanas.
1. Get a Large Tank
Arowanas can grow up to 3 feet in length in their natural habitat.
However, in aquariums, they usually grow up to 2 to 3 feet in length.
You can keep young arowanas in a 60-gallon tank.
However, they will outgrow this tank in a few months. So it’s best to invest in a large tank.
The recommended minimum tank size for an adult arowana is 250 gallons.
Such a large tank provides adequate space for an arowana to reach its full growth potential.
2. Maintain Stable Water Temperatures
The optimum water temperature for arowanas is between 75°F to 82°F (23.8°C to 27.8°C).
Keeping them in temperatures outside the optimal range can negatively impact their lifespan and even be fatal.
An aquarium heater with a thermometer is recommended for automated heating.
It also allows for the real-time monitoring of the water temperature, which can benefit the arowana.
3. Maintain Ideal Water Hardness and pH
Tank water with 6.5 to 7.0 pH is recommended for arowanas.
And the water hardness should be within 8 to 12 dGH.
Maintaining consistent water pH levels and hardness eliminates stress and facilitates the optimum growth of arowanas.
4. Provide a Protein-Rich Diet
Arowanas are carnivores that grow rapidly. So they need a high-protein diet for optimal growth.
A balanced diet consisting of live or frozen brine shrimp, black worms, small insects, and small fish is best for young arowanas.
And to the adult arowanas, you can feed worms, shrimp, small fish, insects, frogs, and other meaty food.
Adult arowanas should be fed one meal every day or on alternate days.
However, young arowanas should be fed two to three times per day.
5. Have a Robust Filtration System
A sound filtration system is essential for maintaining a healthy aquarium for arowanas.
The tank should have a powerful filter that can remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants from the water.
Cleaning the filter media and other tank equipment regularly is also vital to keep the water clean.
A robust filtration system can eliminate waste and toxins and create conducive conditions for arowana’s growth.
6. Perform Regular Water Changes
Arowanas produce a lot of waste. This increases the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels of the tank water.
So changing 20% to 30% of the tank water every week is recommended for maintaining optimum water quality.
An electric vacuum is an effective tool for large water tanks. It makes water changes and maintenance easy and efficient.
Monitoring the pH during water changes is also essential to ensure healthy water conditions.
How Fast Do Arowanas Grow?
Aquarists typically buy young arowanas because adult arowanas are too expensive due to their high demand in the aquarium hobby.
In most cases, the size of these young arowanas is 2 inches to 7 inches in length.
However, they generally grow to a foot in length within a few months.
After that, they continue to grow and attain full size over their lifespan.
Takeaway
Arowanas are large, predatory fish that grow up to 3 feet long in the wild.
In captivity, they usually reach a maximum size of 2 to 3 feet.
To ensure optimum growth, provide them with a large tank, a protein-rich diet, stable water conditions, and stress-free habitat.