Thinking about getting an African arowana? Whether you’re a seasoned fishkeeper or just starting out, it’s important todo your research before bringing one of these beautiful fish home.
Editor’s note: African arowanas are a popular and sought-after fish, but they can be expensive and requirespecialized care. Before you buy one, be sure to do your research and make sure you’re prepared to provide the propercare for your new pet.
After analyzing dozens of African arowana for sale and digging through countless reviews, we’ve put together this guideto help you make the right decision. We’ll cover everything you need to know about these fish, from their size andtemperament to their diet and habitat.
Key differences
| Characteristic | African arowana |
|---|---|
| Size | Can grow up to 3 feet long |
| Temperament | Generally peaceful, but can be aggressive towards smaller fish |
| Diet | Carnivorous, eats live food such as insects, worms, and small fish |
| Habitat | Prefers well-planted aquariums with plenty of swimming space |
| Price | Can be expensive, depending on the size and variety |
Main article topics
- Size and appearance
- Temperament and behavior
- Diet and feeding
- Habitat and tank requirements
- Price and availability
1. Size
When considering an African arowana for sale, it is important to keep in mind their adult size. These fish can grow to be up to 3 feet long, so it is important to have a tank that is large enough to accommodate their adult size. A tank that is too small can stunt the growth of the fish and lead to health problems.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a tank for an African arowana. First, the tank should be at least 100 gallons in size. This will give the fish enough space to swim and grow. Second, the tank should have a secure lid. Arowanas are known to be jumpers, so it is important to have a lid that will prevent them from escaping.
It is also important to provide plenty of hiding places in the tank. Arowanas are shy fish and they need places to hide when they feel threatened. Live plants, driftwood, and rocks can all be used to create hiding places.
By providing a tank that is the right size and has plenty of hiding places, you can help your African arowana thrive.
| Size | Tank size | Hiding places |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 feet long | 100 gallons or larger | Live plants, driftwood, rocks |
2. Appearance
The appearance of African arowanas is one of the main reasons why they are so popular among fishkeepers. Their beautiful coloration and unique scales make them a truly eye-catching fish. African arowanas come in a variety of colors, including silver, gold, and red. Some arowanas even have a combination of these colors. In addition to their vibrant colors, African arowanas also have unique scales. Their scales are large and overlapping, and they have a metallic sheen. This gives African arowanas a very distinctive appearance.
- Coloration: African arowanas come in a variety of colors, including silver, gold, and red. Some arowanas even have a combination of these colors. Their coloration is one of the main reasons why they are so popular among fishkeepers.
- Scales: African arowanas have large, overlapping scales with a metallic sheen. This gives them a very distinctive appearance. Their scales are also very strong, which helps to protect them from predators.
- Fins: African arowanas have long, flowing fins. Their fins are often brightly colored, and they can be used to communicate with other fish.
- Overall appearance: African arowanas are a truly beautiful fish. Their vibrant colors, unique scales, and long, flowing fins make them a popular choice among fishkeepers.
The appearance of African arowanas is an important factor to consider when choosing one of these fish for your aquarium. By understanding the different aspects of their appearance, you can make an informed decision about which type of arowana is right for you.
3. Temperament
When considering an African arowana for sale, it is important to be aware of their temperament. While they are generally peaceful fish, they can be aggressive towards smaller fish. This is why it is important to keep them in a tank with tankmates that are of similar size and temperament.
- Compatibility: African arowanas are best kept with other large, peaceful fish. Good tankmates include oscars, cichlids, and other arowanas. Avoid keeping African arowanas with small fish, as they may be seen as prey.
- Aggression: African arowanas can be aggressive towards other fish, especially if they are feeling threatened. This is why it is important to provide them with plenty of hiding places and to avoid overcrowding the tank.
- Tank size: The size of the tank can also affect the temperament of African arowanas. A tank that is too small can lead to stress and aggression. A tank that is at least 100 gallons in size is ideal for an African arowana.
- Diet: A diet that is high in protein can also help to reduce aggression in African arowanas. Feed your arowana a diet of live food, such as insects, worms, and small fish.
By understanding the temperament of African arowanas, you can provide them with the best possible care. This will help them to thrive in your aquarium and live a long, healthy life.
4. Behavior
When considering an African arowana for sale, it is important to be aware of their behavior. African arowanas are active fish that enjoy swimming and exploring their environment. They are also known to be jumpers, so it is important to have a tank with a secure lid.
The behavior of African arowanas is an important factor to consider when choosing one of these fish for your aquarium. By understanding their behavior, you can provide them with the best possible care. This will help them to thrive in your aquarium and live a long, healthy life.
Here are some specific examples of how the behavior of African arowanas can affect their care:
- Activity level: African arowanas are active fish that need plenty of space to swim and explore. A tank that is too small can lead to stress and health problems.
- Jumping: African arowanas are known to be jumpers, so it is important to have a tank with a secure lid. A lid that is not secure can allow the fish to escape, which can be dangerous for the fish and for you.
- Diet: African arowanas are carnivores that need a diet that is high in protein. A diet that is not high in protein can lead to health problems.
- Tankmates: African arowanas are best kept with other large, peaceful fish. Avoid keeping African arowanas with small fish, as they may be seen as prey.
By understanding the behavior of African arowanas, you can provide them with the best possible care. This will help them to thrive in your aquarium and live a long, healthy life.
5. Diet
The diet of an African arowana is an important part of its overall care. These fish are carnivores and need a diet that is high in protein. A diet that is not high in protein can lead to health problems, such as stunted growth, weight loss, and a weakened immune system.
There are a variety of live foods that you can feed your African arowana, such as insects, worms, and small fish. You can also feed your arowana frozen or freeze-dried foods, but live foods are generally preferred. Live foods are more nutritious and more stimulating for your fish.
When choosing live foods for your African arowana, it is important to choose foods that are appropriate for the size of your fish. Smaller arowanas can eat smaller foods, such as brine shrimp and fruit flies. Larger arowanas can eat larger foods, such as crickets and small fish.
It is also important to vary the diet of your African arowana. This will help to ensure that your fish is getting all of the nutrients it needs. You can offer your arowana a variety of live foods, as well as frozen or freeze-dried foods.
By providing your African arowana with a diet that is high in protein and varied, you can help to ensure that your fish stays healthy and thrives.
Table: Diet of African arowanas
| Food type | Size | Nutritional value |
|---|---|---|
| Insects | Small to medium | High in protein and fat |
| Worms | Small to large | High in protein and low in fat |
| Small fish | Medium to large | High in protein and fat |
| Frozen or freeze-dried foods | All sizes | Lower in nutritional value than live foods, but still a good option |
6. Feeding
African arowanas are carnivorous fish that require a diet high in protein. A diet that is not high in protein can lead to health problems, such as stunted growth, weight loss, and a weakened immune system. Feeding your African arowana a diet that is high in protein and varied will help to ensure that your fish stays healthy and thrives. Overfeeding your African arowana can also lead to health problems, such as obesity and fatty liver disease. It is important to feed your arowana only as much food as it can eat in 2-3 minutes. You should also avoid feeding your arowana more than 2-3 times per day. By following these feeding guidelines, you can help to ensure that your African arowana stays healthy and lives a long, happy life.
7. Habitat
The habitat of an African arowana is an important consideration when purchasing one of these fish. These fish need a well-planted aquarium with plenty of swimming space. The water should be clean and well-filtered, and the temperature should be between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water quality: African arowanas need clean, well-filtered water. The water should be free of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. A good filtration system is essential for maintaining water quality.
- Temperature: African arowanas prefer water temperatures between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. A heater is necessary to maintain the proper water temperature.
- Space: African arowanas need plenty of swimming space. A tank that is at least 100 gallons in size is ideal. The tank should also have plenty of hiding places, such as plants and caves.
- Plants: African arowanas prefer to live in well-planted aquariums. Plants provide hiding places and help to keep the water clean.
By providing your African arowana with the proper habitat, you can help to ensure that your fish stays healthy and thrives.
8. Tank requirements
The tank requirements for African arowanas are an important consideration when purchasing one of these fish. These fish need a large tank with plenty of swimming space. The water should be clean and well-filtered, and the temperature should be between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. A tank that is too small can lead to stress and health problems for your fish.
The size of the tank is important for several reasons. First, African arowanas are active fish that need plenty of space to swim. A tank that is too small will not allow your fish to swim freely and could lead to boredom and stress. Second, African arowanas are predators and need a large enough tank to hunt for food. A tank that is too small will not allow your fish to get enough exercise and could lead to obesity.
The type of filtration system you use is also important. African arowanas produce a lot of waste, so a good filtration system is essential for keeping the water clean. A filter that is too small will not be able to keep up with the amount of waste produced by your fish, which could lead to health problems.
The temperature of the water is also important. African arowanas are tropical fish and need warm water to survive. A heater is necessary to maintain the proper water temperature. A heater that is too small will not be able to keep the water at the proper temperature, which could lead to health problems for your fish.
By providing your African arowana with the proper tank requirements, you can help to ensure that your fish stays healthy and thrives.
Table: Tank requirements for African arowanas
| Requirement | Importance |
|---|---|
| Tank size | Provides enough space for swimming and hunting |
| Filtration system | Keeps the water clean and free of waste |
| Water temperature | Maintains a healthy environment for the fish |
9. Price
The price of an African arowana can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size,
variety, and age of the fish. Smaller arowanas are typically less expensive than larger arowanas, and more common varieties are typically less expensive than rarer varieties. Younger arowanas are also typically less expensive than older arowanas.
It is important to factor in the cost of the tank, filtration system, and other supplies when budgeting for an African arowana. The cost of these items can vary depending on the size and type of tank and filtration system you choose.
African arowanas are a beautiful and unique fish, but they can be expensive to purchase and care for. It is important to do your research and make sure you are prepared to provide the proper care for your arowana before you purchase one.
Table: Price of African arowanas
| Size | Variety | Age | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Common | Young | $500-$1,000 |
| Medium | Uncommon | Adult | $1,000-$1,500 |
| Large | Rare | Old | $1,500-$2,000 |
10. Availability
The availability of African arowanas for sale is a key factor in their popularity as aquarium fish. These fish are relatively easy to find, and they can be purchased from a variety of sources, including pet stores, online retailers, and even private breeders. This makes it easy for hobbyists to find and purchase the perfect African arowana for their aquarium.
The availability of African arowanas for sale also helps to keep their prices relatively affordable. Because these fish are relatively easy to find, there is no need for hobbyists to pay inflated prices to get their hands on one. This makes African arowanas a great option for hobbyists of all budgets.
In addition to being easy to find and affordable, African arowanas are also relatively easy to care for. These fish are hardy and adaptable, and they can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. This makes them a good choice for hobbyists who are new to keeping fish.
Overall, the availability of African arowanas for sale is a major factor in their popularity as aquarium fish. These fish are easy to find, affordable, and easy to care for, making them a great option for hobbyists of all levels.
Table: Pros and cons of the availability of African arowanas for sale
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to find | Prices may be higher than for other fish |
| Affordable | May not be available in all areas |
| Easy to care for | Requires a large tank |
FAQs About African Arowana for Sale
Before you buy an African arowana, it’s important to do your research and learn about their care requirements. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you get started.
Question 1: What is the average price of an African arowana?
The price of an African arowana can vary depending on the size, variety, and age of the fish. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for an African arowana.
Question 2: What is the best size tank for an African arowana?
African arowanas need a lot of space to swim and grow, so it is important to provide them with a tank that is at least 100 gallons in size.
Question 3: What should I feed my African arowana?
African arowanas are carnivores and should be fed a diet that is high in protein. Some good food options for African arowanas include live fish, insects, and worms.
Question 4: How often should I feed my African arowana?
Adult African arowanas should be fed 2-3 times per week, while juvenile arowanas should be fed more frequently.
Question 5: What is the lifespan of an African arowana?
With proper care, African arowanas can live for 10 to 15 years.
Question 6: Are African arowanas good pets?
African arowanas can make good pets for experienced fishkeepers who are prepared to provide them with the proper care. However, it is important to remember that these fish can be aggressive, so it is important to keep them in a tank with tankmates that are of similar size and temperament.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought:
African arowanas are beautiful and fascinating fish that can make great pets for experienced fishkeepers. However, it is important to do your research and learn about their care requirements before you buy one.
Transition to the next article section:
Now that you know more about African arowanas, you can decide if one of these fish is right for you.
Tips for Choosing and Caring for African Arowanas
African arowanas are beautiful and fascinating fish, but they can also be challenging to care for. Here are a few tips to help you choose and care for an African arowana:
Tip 1: Do your research. Before you buy an African arowana, it is important to do your research and learn about their care requirements. This includes learning about their diet, habitat, and behavior.
Tip 2: Choose a healthy fish. When you are choosing an African arowana, it is important to choose a healthy fish. Look for a fish that is active and has a good appetite. Avoid fish that are lethargic or have any signs of disease.
Tip 3: Provide a suitable habitat. African arowanas need a large tank with plenty of swimming space. The tank should also have a secure lid, as arowanas are known to be jumpers. The water in the tank should be clean and well-filtered, and the temperature should be between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tip 4: Feed your arowana a healthy diet. African arowanas are carnivores and should be fed a diet that is high in protein. Some good food options for African arowanas include live fish, insects, and worms.
Tip 5: Be patient. African arowanas can take some time to adjust to their new home. Be patient and provide them with the care they need, and they will eventually thrive in your aquarium.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your African arowana stays healthy and thrives.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
African arowanas are beautiful and fascinating fish that can make great pets for experienced fishkeepers. However, it is important to do your research and learn about their care requirements before you buy one.
Conclusion
The African arowana is a beautiful and fascinating fish that can make a great pet for experienced fishkeepers. However, it is important to do your research and learn about their care requirements before you buy one.
These fish can be expensive, and they require a large tank and a diet that is high in protein. They are also known to be jumpers, so it is important to have a secure lid on their tank.
If you are prepared to provide the proper care, an African arowana can be a rewarding and beautiful addition to your aquarium.
