Red Tail Golden Arowana

Scleropages formosus

Red Tail Golden Arowana (Scleropages formosus) — Expert care, Aggressive, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 238 US gal min; aim for 75–86°F and pH 6–7.5. Details below match the app.

Red Tail Golden Arowana (Scleropages formosus) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelExpert
TemperamentAggressive
Min tank size238 US gal min
pH range6–7.5
Temperature75–86°F
Max size35.4 in (90.0 cm)
Captive lifespan12–20 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Southeast Asia

  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Red Tail Golden Arowana Tank Setup

Plan for at least 238 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 75–86°F and pH 6–7.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Top zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.

What Do Red Tail Golden Arowanas Eat?

We record diet as Carnivore. Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.

Red Tail Golden Arowana Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Aggressive. Treat small tank mates as potential snacks once the fish grows. Extremely large species; unsuitable for most home aquariums; requires very large tank and secure lid Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Red Tail Golden Arowanas Good for Beginners?

Not where we would send a brand-new keeper. Get a few wins under your belt with hardier fish first.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.