Arowana

[CFC]

One fish i have always wanted is a Arowana but due to tank size limitations have been unable to get one,however i have finally convinced the mrs that i really need a bigger tank so by the end of this year i will have a nice shiney new 135 UK gallon tank (measurements 66"x24"x24").I have seen it written that the minimum tank size for them is 120g but this was reffering to a 72" tank,will my larger volume but shorter length tank be ok to keep one in or do i still have work to do on the mrs before i can finally get one (although anything larger than 66" will require moving house )
Also how aggresive are they?It would be housed with some x-large Balas,a sorubim lima shovelnose cat,2 polypterus sp,buttikoferi and various other large or/and aggresive fish,would these make suitable tankmates?

 

[superman]

What my research has dug up is that the tank surface area is what Arrowanas will rely on the most, so a larger volume and reduced surface area will not benefit the arrowanas. Don't you just hate it when you REALLY want a fish but just don't have the space for it!! I feel for you man, I hope you can work out the tank situation with the Mrs.

 

[cichlidmaster]

IMO a 6'x2'x2' tank is the smallest tank an arrowana should be hosed in!! Especially if you want it to grow to it's full potential.

I have kept these in 6'x1.5'x2' tanks and it just was not enough room. The 6ft length was adequate, but the 1.5ft width was not!!!

I ended up giving mine to a friend with an 8'x3'x2' tank and the fish thrived!!!

The shovelnose and perhaps bals would be the only fish on your list I would put in with it. You could also add one of the larger plecos as well.

I would stay away from overly aggressive fish however as arro's are not really aggressive themselves.

By the way mine were trained to eat pellet food which really helped me keep the tank clean!!

CM

 

[mooga]

do a search on "thomson's arrowana page". this guy has been breeding arrowana's for a long time and his page is very informative.

 

[CFC]

Thanks for the advise everyone,looks like ill have to wait a bit longer before i get myself a Arowana,never mind

 

[Gibbo]

Most species get to about a metre in length... as pointed out by Superman, surface area is the key. The tank could be quite shallow really, so long as the fish could turn properly and have plenty of space to swim. They're expert jumpers, taking large insects and ambushing fish/small vertebrates at the waters surface. Many people keep them in tropical ponds together with large freshwater Stingrays to provide a little 'surface action'!!