Asian arowana

Scleropages formosus · Osteoglossidae

Also known as Dragon fish, Asian bonytongue

Advanced

Endangered surface predator reaching 90 cm; needs a 2 m tank, and in India every fish must be legally registered.

In short: An asian arowana needs at least 1200 L (317 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 5–8. It is territorial, usually kept singly, and rated advanced to keep.

Legal note for India

The Asian arowana is listed in CITES Appendix I, the highest level of protection; it was first listed there in 1975. Since the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, live animals of CITES-listed species fall under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and anyone who keeps one must register it. Under the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024 (February 2024), a keeper must report the fish and apply electronically to the Management Authority for registration within 30 days of getting it; births must be reported within 7 days and transfers within 15 days. News reports say applications go through the PARIVESH 2.0 portal to the State Chief Wildlife Warden. Buy only fish sold with CITES captive-breeding papers and a microchip, and confirm the current rules with your state forest department before buying. This is general information, not legal advice.

Updated 29 October 2026

Minimum tank: 1200 L (317 US gal)
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 5–8
Adult size: 90 cm (35.4 in)
Group size: 1+

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume: 1200 L (317 US gal)
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 5–8
Hardness: 2–15 dGH
Lifespan: 10–20 years
Diet: Carnivore: prawns, mussels, earthworms, insects and arowana pellets; avoid feeder fish.
Care level: Advanced

Origin & habitat

Native region: Southern Myanmar to the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia
Water type: Freshwater
Biotope: Tannin-stained blackwater streams and swamp forest
Natural conditions: Warm, soft, acidic, slow water.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament: Territorial
Minimum group: 1 fish
Swims: Top
Good tank mates: Best kept alone
Large, calm fish too big to swallow, chosen with care
Avoid: Anything it can swallow

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty: Advanced
Sexing: Not reliably sexed by appearance.
Notes: Paternal mouthbrooder bred commercially in large outdoor ponds, not home aquariums.
Common ailments: Injuries from jumping
Poor water quality in undersized tanks

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Asian arowana

Care requirements

Origin & habitat

Behaviour & stocking

Breeding & difficulty

Plan a tank with the asian arowana

Sources

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