Silver Arowana, lat. Osteoglossum bicirrhosum- Osteoglossum bicirrhosum distribution
Family: Osteoglossidae;
Genus: Osteoglossum;
Species and synonyms: Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, Silver Arowana, Silver Arawana, Dragonfish, Macaco d’água, Aruanã branco).
GBIF:
Silver Arowana (lat. Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Osteoglossiformes, family Osteoglossidae, genus Osteoglossum. One of the largest and most recognizable aquarium fish, known as the "dragon fish" or "monkey fish."
Distribution. The natural range of the Silver Arowana covers rivers and lakes of South America, mainly in the Amazon, Orinoco and Essequibo basins in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Guyana and other countries. The fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in rivers, lakes, floodplain water bodies with dense vegetation. It has been recorded as an introduced species in some countries.
Care requirements. The Silver Arowana is a very large fish, growing up to 60–80 cm in the aquarium and up to 100–120 cm in the wild. For keeping a single specimen, an aquarium of at least 500 liters with a length of 200 cm and a height of at least 60 cm is required. A tightly fitting lid is essential, as the fish may jump out of the water. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–30°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration with moderate flow, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, stones and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants should have tough leaves or be potted.
Silver Arowanas are predators, feeding on fish, invertebrates, amphibians, as well as insects and small mammals in the wild, which they catch on the water surface. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality sinking and floating pellets for predatory fish, live and frozen foods (fish, shrimp, mussels, bloodworms, crickets, grasshoppers). It is important to provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Silver Arowanas are active in the upper and middle water layers. They are predatory and may eat small fish, so it is recommended to keep them only with large fish of comparable size. Recommended tankmates include large cichlids, arapaimas, large catfish. It is not recommended to keep them with small fish that will be perceived as food.
Breeding in home aquariums is extremely difficult and rarely occurs in hobby aquariums. Silver Arowanas are egg-laying fish, spawning on plants or fine substrates. The male incubates the eggs in his mouth for 4–6 weeks. They reach sexual maturity at 3–4 years. In the aquarium hobby, most fish come from the wild or specialized farms.
The Silver Arowana gets its name from its characteristic silver coloration and large scales that shimmer in the light. The body is long, elongated, with a powerful caudal fin. The fish can jump out of the water to a height of up to 2 meters to catch prey. It is one of the most popular and large aquarium fish, requiring a huge aquarium and careful care. Life expectancy is 10–15 years or more.