Saratogas prefer tropical rivers and creeks. Particularly, quiet lily covered back-waters, pandanus-lined billabongs and waterholes. They can often be seen cruising on the surface of such areas. The Southern Saratoga has been shown to able to tolerate water temperatures as low as 10°C (50° F) for short periods, but the Northern Jardini Saratoga cannot survive if the temperature goes much below 15°C (59° F). Saratogas are mainly surface feeders and stay close to some sort of cover. Lily pads, pandanus roots and the areas under flying fox colonies are prime holding areas. These fish are opportunistic carnivores and prey on small fish, shrimp and freshwater prawns. They also rely heavily on frogs, lizards, snakes, insects and even small birds in their diet.

The two Australian Arowana species are usually found in coastal freshwater bodies. The Southern Saratoga (S. leichardti) can be found in the Dawson / Fitzroy river system of Central Queensland. The jardini arowana (S. jardini) is found widely but somewhat discontinuosly, through Western Cape York, the Gulf Country and the Eastern Northern Territory. Scleropages leichardt i has been introduced into several rivers as well as dams and impoundments as far south as Brisbane. The purpose of these introductions are mainly due to the excellent angling merits of these fish. The Northern species can also found on nearby New Guinea.

Pictures were taken from: Australian Native Fishes for Aquariums by Leggart and Merrick

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