Pearl Jardini Arowana (Scleropages Jardinii)

Note: these fish require a tank of at least 180 gallons

These arowana are native to Australia and New Guinea, where they typically inhabit flooded plains, swamps and slow moving streams. They are large, aggressive arowana, jumping from the surface to catch their prey. Known for their distinct pearl-like scales and long slender body, they display colour variations from silvery pearl, to brown/gold shiny scales often with red spots.

Juveniles look quite different to adults in terms of colouration and their transformation to the adult form is impressive to observe.

These fish are active swimmers and require lots of open swimming space to keep them happy.

An aquarium with a minimum of 180 gallons capacity is recommended and it should be more long and wide than deep, so the arowana has plenty of open swimming space and room to turn around.

They are carnivorous and require a diet high in protein to keep them in top shape.

They are also expert jumpers so we recommend a heavy tightly fitted lid to stop them from leaping out of the tank

Care

• fish size: captivity 24" but in the wild they have been known to grow to 36"

• tank size: 180 gallon minimum

• temperature: 24-28℃

• pH: 6.0-7.5

• temperament: aggressive

• lifespan: 10-20 years some live longer in the wild

• diet: worms, crickets, locust, frogs, bloodworm, minnows and shrimp

Sexual Differences

Ascertaining the sex of your arowana can be very difficult as both sexes look practically identical, although there are a couple of differences to look out for.

Males tend to have longer anal fins and lower-set pectoral fins. They have lengthier whiskers and a more slender body than the female , which has fuller, more rounded body

Jardini arowana can be kept with certain fish depending on the individual arowana's temperament. Below are some possible fish friends you could try:

• large oscar

• black ghost knife fish

• giant gourami

• jaguar cichlid