Above: a young Jardini Arowana in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture.

Click here to see several more pictures of this fish.

Comments: This is a fabulous looking fish, with a unique shape and characteristics.

Origin: Jardini Arowanas are found in Northeastern Australia and were all wild fish, but now they are being bred and raised on fish farms.

And so now you can find them living in a few aquariums all over the world.

Maximum Size: In an aquarium this Arowana could grow to be 36" long, and sometimes larger if fed properly, and if the water quality is good.

Behaviors: Arowanas are usually semi-aggressive fish.

The main thing is, they'll eat just about any other fish that will fit into their big mouths.

They are also fabulously powerful jumpers, and so their aquarium must always be covered tightly.

Compatibility: Some recommended tankmates include, Knifefish, Plecos, Catfish, and Bichirs that are big enough not to be swallowed by the Arowana!

Click here to read more about compatible groups of pet fish.

Temperature: Arowanas live best from about 75 to 80-degrees F. with 78 being perhaps ideal, but they can tolerate much warmer water.

Click here to learn about aquarium temperature, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium heaters.

Feeding: Premium Fish Food Pellets is best to feed to Arowanas. Smaller sized pellets when they're small, and larger sized pellets when they're bigger, is an ideal food for these fish.

Click here to learn more about and shop online for premium fish foods.

Water Conditions: They are used to neutral or slightly alkaline water with a moderate amount of hardness.

But these fish can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. So as usual it's best not to try to change the pH or hardness of their water.

Click here for a lot more information about aquarium water conditions.

Aquarium Size: Arowanas will do fine in an aquarium with at least 60-gallons of water when young, but will need to be moved to at least 350-gallons when adult size.

These fish like lengthy tanks to swim back and forth.

Decor: Arowanas do not need gravel, and a layer of gravel more than 1/4" thick will usually fill with bits of uneaten food that will contaminate the water.

Click here for more about aquarium gravel.

Live plants are beautiful and improve the water quality, but Arowanas need space to swim so too many decorations are not necessary.

They'll need a tightly-fitted lid, because they are jumpers, and will jump out of a tank that is not sealed tight.

Aquarium Filter: Bio-Wheel Filters are highly recommended.

Most 60-gallon aquariums have room along the back for two Penguin 350B Filters, and this is sort of a minimal Arowana set up.

Better is a 120, 150, 200-gallon aquarium, and ultimately an aquarium with 350-gallons or more.

Put as many Penguin 350B Filters as will fit across the bac, or a large filtering system.

Click here to learn more about aquarium filters.

The addition of Lava Rocks will keep nitrates in the ideal range. Click here to learn more about using Lava Rocks in aquariums.

Life Span: Arowanas can live for many years. Keep the water conditions excellent and feed them premium foods, and they may live more than 20-years.

Gender: It's always difficult to determine their gender.

Breeding: It's been known to be very difficult to breed these fish in captivity, but they are known to be mouthbrooders and are more likely to breed in large ponds.

The female carries the eggs in her mouth, until the fry are ready to leave and fend for themselves.

Click here for a lot more about breeding various tropical fish in aquariums.

Popularity: These fish are somewhat popular but still rare in the hobby.

Names: The scientific name for Jardini Arowana is Scleropages jardinii.

Variations: They live in a limited range in Northeastern Australia, and there do not seem to be variations.

Click here for a lot more information about keeping and caring for Wild Fish, including a picture gallery.

We hope you've enjoyed reading these comments.