Others simply cannot afford the prices Asian Arowanas command. Introducing the Silver Arowana
Silver Arowanas are an excellent alternative to Asian Arowanas that are nearly always available and affordable. When considered independently without comparison to Asian Arowanas, Silver Arowanas are quite impressive and captivating. Physical Attributes of the Silver Arowana
Like Asian Arowanas, Silver Arowanas are true bony-tongues. In addition to their bony tongues, Silver Arowanas also possess the chin barbels characteristic of Asian Arowanas. The dorsal and anal fins of Silver Arowanas appear nearly connected with their caudal fins. Silver Arowanas are very large fish typically reaching 24 - 30 inches in captivity, although they can grow up to36 inches. In the wild, Silver Arowanas may grow as big as 4 feet long!
Those unfamiliar with Silver Arowanas often consider their coloration to be "silver" without much variation. The coloration of Silver Arowanas is so pronounced, many hobbyists boost their color through special diets just as Asian Arowana enthusiasts do!
Silver Arowanas may have a silvery, light grey, or strikingly white body coloration. Silver Arowana Temperament
Silver Arowanas are predators with similar temperaments to Asian Arowanas. Tank mates suitable for Asian Arowanas will likely do well with Silver Arowanas. Many experienced hobbyists claim Silver Arowanas are slightly more skittish than Asian Arowanas. Silver Arowanas are often trained to take food directly from fingers, while Asian Arowanas are rarely so docile!
Care of the Silver Arowana
Silver and Asian Arowanas require nearly identical habitats and care. One consideration applies to Silver Arowanas that is no longer a concern when acquiring an Asian Arowana.
Like all aquarium fish, the natural habitat of Arowanas dictates how they may be best cared for in captivity. Most Arowana fans know that the asian varieties are native to black water river areas of Southeast Asia. Water Attributes
Water temperature would vary little in an Arowana's natural environment, and they do not tolerate fluctuations in aquarium temperature, either.
Black water: Arowanas natively inhabit black water rivers and wetland areas. Black water is acidic, soft water fed by black water streams originating from ancient tropical forest soils that are low in nutrients. The brownish-yellow color of black water is believed to contribute to the bright, iridescent colors typical of many black water fish species, including Arowanas. Peat and decayed driftwood are two other black water additives used in Arowana tanks. Commercially prepared "black water extract" is another option. Feeding
In captivity, farm-raised prawn, worms and feeder fish allow Arowanas to exercise their natural hunting instincts.
Their natural diet also makes it challenging to find suitable tank mates for an Arowana. Feeding Schedule: Many experts doubt Arowanas feed every day in their natural environments. Tank Cover: Another direct result of its natural feeding habits is the Arowana's tendency to leap from its tank. Although Arowanas are typically found among shallow waters littered with reeds, wood, rocks and water plants, most hobbyists prefer to keep Arowana tanks sparsely decorated.
Silver Arowanas are an excellent alternative to Asian Arowanas that are nearly always available and affordable. When considered independently without comparison to Asian Arowanas, Silver Arowanas are quite impressive and captivating. Physical Attributes of the Silver Arowana
Like Asian Arowanas, Silver Arowanas are true bony-tongues. In addition to their bony tongues, Silver Arowanas also possess the chin barbels characteristic of Asian Arowanas. The dorsal and anal fins of Silver Arowanas appear nearly connected with their caudal fins. Silver Arowanas are very large fish typically reaching 24 - 30 inches in captivity, although they can grow up to36 inches. In the wild, Silver Arowanas may grow as big as 4 feet long!
Those unfamiliar with Silver Arowanas often consider their coloration to be "silver" without much variation. The coloration of Silver Arowanas is so pronounced, many hobbyists boost their color through special diets just as Asian Arowana enthusiasts do!
Silver Arowanas may have a silvery, light grey, or strikingly white body coloration. Silver Arowana Temperament
Silver Arowanas are predators with similar temperaments to Asian Arowanas. Tank mates suitable for Asian Arowanas will likely do well with Silver Arowanas. Many experienced hobbyists claim Silver Arowanas are slightly more skittish than Asian Arowanas. Silver Arowanas are often trained to take food directly from fingers, while Asian Arowanas are rarely so docile!
Care of the Silver Arowana
Silver and Asian Arowanas require nearly identical habitats and care. One consideration applies to Silver Arowanas that is no longer a concern when acquiring an Asian Arowana.
Like all aquarium fish, the natural habitat of Arowanas dictates how they may be best cared for in captivity. Most Arowana fans know that the asian varieties are native to black water river areas of Southeast Asia. Water Attributes
Water temperature would vary little in an Arowana's natural environment, and they do not tolerate fluctuations in aquarium temperature, either.
Black water: Arowanas natively inhabit black water rivers and wetland areas. Black water is acidic, soft water fed by black water streams originating from ancient tropical forest soils that are low in nutrients. The brownish-yellow color of black water is believed to contribute to the bright, iridescent colors typical of many black water fish species, including Arowanas. Peat and decayed driftwood are two other black water additives used in Arowana tanks. Commercially prepared "black water extract" is another option. Feeding
In captivity, farm-raised prawn, worms and feeder fish allow Arowanas to exercise their natural hunting instincts.
Their natural diet also makes it challenging to find suitable tank mates for an Arowana. Feeding Schedule: Many experts doubt Arowanas feed every day in their natural environments. Tank Cover: Another direct result of its natural feeding habits is the Arowana's tendency to leap from its tank. Although Arowanas are typically found among shallow waters littered with reeds, wood, rocks and water plants, most hobbyists prefer to keep Arowana tanks sparsely decorated.
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