All fish / Osteoglossidae

Black arowana

Osteoglossum ferreirai

Also known as black aro, 黑龙, 黑龙鱼

Close relative of the silver arowana; juveniles are dark with a yellow edge to the fins, turning grey-silver as adults.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

90 cm

Temperature

25 to 30 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

1200 litres

Keep as

Alone

Diet

Carnivore: insects, prawn, pellets

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

15 years or more

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Rio Negro basin

Breeding

Mouthbrooder; nearly all are wild-caught as fry.

Good to know

Young fish are delicate on arrival; keep the water warm, soft and very clean.