Black Arowana 10" WYSIWYG

The Black Arowana, or Arahuana, is known by many alternate names, sometimes making identification tricky. Among the group known as band fishes, the Black Arowana is considered a true bony fish. It has a long body, which is mostly black, and a tapered tail. Indigenous to the flood plains of the Amazon River Basin in South America, the Arowana can reach an intimidating 47 inches in the wild. It is often too much for all but the advanced freshwater aquarist to manage. It can survive short times out of the water breathing air by utilizing its swim bladder.

The Black Arowana prefers a 250-gallon tank with a fine gravel bottom, loosely planted, and soft, peaty water with lots of open space above for swimming. The aquarium must be fitted with a tight, heavy cover because the Arowana will jump, particularly when after prey.

After breeding, the male Black Arowana is responsible for carrying the large eggs in his mouth where they mature in 50 to 60 days. When young, these fish are easily harassed by more aggressive species such as Cichlids. Knifefish, large Plecostomus, Catfish, and Ornate Bichirs make good tank mates for the Black Arowana.

A carnivore, the Black Arowana will eat other smaller fish, water fleas, mosquito larvae, as well as freeze-dried ocean plankton, krill and pellet foods.

Ideal tanks mates include: Similar sized "Oddball fish" (miscellaneous fish), Plecos, and larger scavenger Catfish.