HINTS & TIPS
-
A newly aquired arowana is usually quite timid and hides
from you, more so larger ones than smaller ones. Given a few weeks
to months and you will have a fish that begs for
food, follows you up and down the tank, snatches
food from your hand and becomes the boss of the tank.
-
A good size to buy an arowana is 6in, at this size they can
easily adjust to their new environment. If possible raise it in the tank
which it is going to spend its adult life in. Some larger fish take a long
time to adjust to their new homes.
-
Arowanas are quite sensitive to medications, so use them
sparingly. If your fish shows any sign of
stress (eg. turning pale) remove the medication
immediately. And remember prevention is always better than cure.
-
The most common way for large arowanas to die is by jumping
out of the tank (even through the coverglass).
A heavy coverglass or something heavy placed on top of
the coverglass should lower the chances of escape.
-
As with all fish water quality appears to enhance the growth
rate of arowanas. Water changes are a must for good growth rates and health.
A large tank also aids in the growth of arowanas, in that it provides
more volume of water for wastes to dissolve and more space
to swim.
-
Split fins on arowanas usually indicates that the fish is
stressed. Check pH and water quality and a water change usually helps the
situation.
-
There is usually divided debate over the feeding of live
foods such as feeder fish and goldfish. Many say the feeding
of these fish introduces disease into the home aquarium.
While others say that predatory fish such as arowanas
prey on sick and injured fish anyway.
-
There is also reports that feeding goldfish causes fat build-up
in arowanas and may cause eye bulging. However I've never seen eye problems
in Aussie Arowanas.
-
My view is that if you can find a store which sells quite
disease free live food, these may be fed only in moderation or occasionally
as treats. Live foods also make your arowana agressive.
-
Sometimes arowanas tend to be a little fussy about what they
eat. Continued feeding of the food being rejected usually (but not
always) leads to acceptance.
