Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) — Expert care, Aggressive, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 264 US gal min; aim for 75–86°F and pH 6–7.5. Details below match the app.

Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelExpert
TemperamentAggressive
Min tank size264 US gal min
pH range6–7.5
Temperature75–86°F
Max size39.4 in (100.0 cm)
Captive lifespan10–18 years
SchoolingNo

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

Natural distribution

South America (Amazon basin)

  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Silver Arowana Tank Setup

Plan for at least 264 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 Silver 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.

Silver Arowana Tank Mates

Temperament in the data: Aggressive. Treat small tank mates as potential snacks once the fish grows. Grows extremely large; powerful jumper; requires 2m+ tank length Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.

Are Silver 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.