Appearance: They feature long, torpedo-shaped bodies covered in large, reflective pearly-silver scales. They have a massive, upturned "bony-tongued" mouth and two distinct sensory barbels on the lower jaw used for detecting surface vibrations.
Size: One of the largest arowana species, they can grow up to 3–4 feet (approx. 120 cm) in length and weigh up to 13 pounds.
Lifespan: With proper care, they typically live 10 to 20 years.
Breeding: They are mouthbrooders; the male carries the eggs and young in his mouth for about two months until they are ready to swim independently.
Aquarium Care Requirements
Keeping a Silver Arowana is a major commitment and is generally recommended for advanced aquarists.
Tank Size: Requires a minimum of 250–300 gallons for a single adult to provide enough turning room.
Security: A tight-fitting, heavy lid is mandatory, as they are notorious "escape artists" and can easily jump out of an open tank.
Water Parameters: They prefer warmer water between 75–85°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
Diet: They are carnivores that thrive on a variety of foods, including crickets, worms, shrimp, and specialized carnivore pellets.
