Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, sourcing, and tankmate intelligence on Silver Arowana - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team and cross-verified against vendor records on the live marketplace.
Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is a freshwater fish kept by aquarists for community + species-specific freshwater displays. Demanding requirements make this species best for keepers with established mature systems and proven track records.
Where Silver Arowana comes from
Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. The captive-bred Silver Arowana sold at most LFS comes from generations of farmed stock and is generally hardier and better-acclimated to tank conditions than wild-caught equivalents. Wild specimens are occasionally available for keepers chasing original-bloodline coloration or biotope-accurate stocking.
Silver Arowana tank size and setup
Silver Arowana requires a minimum of 240 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (36 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Silver Arowana sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.
For a Silver Arowana setup: tank sized for the adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x tank volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape and plants.
Use dechlorinator on every water change. Test parameters weekly during cycling, biweekly once stable. Stable consistency beats sliding-scale "ideal" parameters.
What Silver Arowana eats
Silver Arowana is a carnivore. Eats meaty foods - frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and quality carnivore pellets. Live food (PE Mysis, live brine, live blackworms) triggers feeding response in stressed or new arrivals. Feed 2-3 times weekly for adults; daily for growing juveniles. Feed Silver Arowana appropriately for its size + activity level. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.
Silver Arowana tankmates and compatibility
Silver Arowana works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Adult-size matters more than purchase-size when planning stocking. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Silver Arowana and similar species.
Silver Arowana adult size and lifespan
Silver Arowana reaches 36 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 15-20 years with proper care. Most freshwater species live 3-10 years; larger species (oscars, plecos, knifefish) reach 10-20+ years.
Can you breed Silver Arowana?
Silver Arowana can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Most oddball species do not breed in home tanks; commercial aquaculture is the source of captive-bred stock.
Common Silver Arowana diseases and problems
Silver Arowana is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Silver Arowana for 4 weeks before adding to your display tank. Treat fish in a separate hospital tank to avoid affecting plants and inverts. Most disease outbreaks trace back to poor water quality, chronic stress, or skipped quarantine.
Where to buy Silver Arowana online
Silver Arowana is sold at LFS (local fish stores), online retailers, and direct from breeders/wholesalers. Pricing varies widely by source, size, and quality:
Browse live Silver Arowana from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping (FedEx Priority + UPS Next Day), climate-aware hold logic, and a 2-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens cost more upfront but arrive healthier and integrate faster.
Silver Arowana FAQ
What size tank does the Silver Arowana need?
Silver Arowana requires a minimum of 240 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (36 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Silver Arowana sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.
Is the Silver Arowana hard to keep?
The Silver Arowana needs a tank of at least 240 gallons, a temperature of 74-80°F and pH 6.5-7.5. Adults reach about 36 inches and live 15-20 years. Best paired with peaceful tankmates of similar size and water-chemistry needs.
What water parameters does the Silver Arowana need?
Silver Arowana prefers freshwater parameters: Temperature: 74-80°F pH: 6.5-7.5 GH: 4-12 dGH KH: 3-8 dKH Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 20 ppm long-term Copper: 0 (especially critical for invertebrates) Use dechlorinator on every water change. Test parameters weekly during cycling, biweekly once stable. Stable consistency beats sliding-scale "ideal" parameters.
What does the Silver Arowana eat?
Silver Arowana is a carnivore. Eats meaty foods - frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and quality carnivore pellets. Live food (PE Mysis, live brine, live blackworms) triggers feeding response in stressed or new arrivals. Feed 2-3 times weekly for adults; daily for growing juveniles. Feed Silver Arowana appropriately for its size + activity level.
How big does the Silver Arowana get and how long does it live?
Silver Arowana reaches 36 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 15-20 years with proper care. Most freshwater species live 3-10 years; larger species (oscars, plecos, knifefish) reach 10-20+ years. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (36 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern.
What are common problems with the Silver Arowana?
Silver Arowana is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Silver Arowana for 4 weeks before adding to your display tank. Treat fish in a separate hospital tank to avoid affecting plants and inverts. Most disease outbreaks trace back to poor water quality, chronic stress, or skipped quarantine.
Where does the Silver Arowana come from in the wild?
Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. The captive-bred Silver Arowana sold at most LFS comes from generations of farmed stock and is generally hardier and better-acclimated to tank conditions than wild-caught equivalents. Wild specimens are occasionally available for keepers chasing original-bloodline coloration or biotope-accurate stocking.
Related freshwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Silver Arowana taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.