Is a Silver Arowana the Right Centerpiece Fish for Your Tank? (Buyer’s Guide)

The Silver Arowana, often called the Dragon Fish, is a breathtaking freshwater species that many aquarists see as the ultimate living centrepiece. Its shimmering, armour-like scales and graceful, serpentine movement make it a truly captivating sight. However, owning this prehistoric predator is a monumental commitment. This guide will help you determine if you can meet the demanding needs of this magnificent fish and whether it’s the right choice for your aquarium.

The Silver Arowana at a Glance

Before diving into the serious requirements, let’s look at what makes this fish so special. The Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is a surface-dwelling predator from the Amazon River Basin in South America . Known for its incredible ability to jump out of the water to catch prey, it’s a living relic that commands attention.

To help you quickly assess its suitability, here are its key characteristics:

The 3 Major Challenges of Keeping a Silver Arowana

1. The Tank Size and Setup

The most significant hurdle is the aquarium itself. A 250-gallon tank is the absolute minimum for a single adult Silver Arowana . Juveniles grow rapidly, up to two inches per month, and will quickly outgrow smaller tanks . A tank that is too small can cause stunted growth, deformities, and extreme stress.

Furthermore, these fish are powerful jumpers. A secure, weighted lid is non-negotiable, as they are known to leap out of the water .

2. Dietary and Filtration Needs

Silver Arowanas are carnivores requiring a varied, meaty diet. In the wild, they eat everything from fish and insects to small birds and crustaceans . In captivity, their diet should include:

• High-quality, floating carnivore pellets

• Live or frozen foods like shrimp, earthworms, and mussels

• Feeder fish (use with caution due to disease risk)

This protein-rich diet produces a lot of waste, necessitating a powerful filtration system. A high-quality canister filter is recommended to keep nitrate levels very low, as Arowanas are particularly sensitive to poor water quality .

3. Cost and Long-Term Commitment

Purchasing the fish is just the beginning. You must be prepared for substantial upfront and ongoing costs, which include:

• The Aquarium: A 250+ gallon tank and sturdy stand.

• Equipment: A powerful filter, heater, and a secure lid.

• Ongoing Costs: High-quality food and significant electricity for running the equipment.

Silver Arowana Tank Mates: Proceed with Caution

While young Silver Arowanas can be kept with others, adults are best kept alone . Their predatory nature means any smaller tank mate will be seen as food. If you are determined to have a community tank, suitable companions must be large, peaceful, and occupy different areas of the tank. Potential tank mates include:

• Large Plecos or other bottom-dwelling catfish

• Oscars

• Large Tinfoil Barbs

• Other large, semi-aggressive cichlids

Final Verdict: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Get a Silver Arowana?

✅ A Silver Arowana is RIGHT for you if:

• You are an experienced aquarist ready for an advanced challenge.

• You can invest in a 250-gallon or larger aquarium and all the necessary equipment.

• You understand and can meet its long-term dietary and maintenance needs.

• You are making a 10+ year commitment.

❌ A Silver Arowana is WRONG for you if:

• You are a beginner or have a standard-sized home aquarium.

• Your budget cannot accommodate the high setup and running costs.

• You want a heavily stocked, community-style tank.

• You are not prepared to perform rigorous weekly water changes and maintenance.

H2: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the price of a Silver Arowana in the UK?
A: The initial cost for a juvenile Silver Arowana in the UK can vary. Based on current listings, prices start from around £45 to £65 for a young fish . Remember, the cost of the fish is a very small part of the overall investment, which is dominated by the tank and equipment.

Q: Can a Silver Arowana be kept in a decorative pond?
A: In theory, yes, a large, heated indoor pond could be a suitable habitat. However, they are tropical fish requiring stable, warm water temperatures (75°F to 82°F or 24°C to 28°C) year-round, which is difficult to maintain in an outdoor pond in the UK climate .

Q: Are there any legal restrictions on keeping Silver Arowanas in the UK?
A: Unlike the protected Asian Arowana, there are currently no general restrictions on keeping Silver Arowanas in the UK . However, it is always best to check with local authorities for any specific regulations.

Q: What are common health issues for this species?
A: Silver Arowanas are prone to “drop eye” (an eye condition where the eye points downward), fungal infections, and physical injuries from jumping or bumping into tank decor . Maintaining pristine water quality is the best prevention.