Arowana, a.k.a or dragonfish, is one of the most-wanted pets that many fish lovers seek to bring home as it symbolizes prosperity and wealth.
However, the grown size of the fish is not the one that any fish tank can hold. That is why the smallest Arowana is sought-after.
In this piece, we share everything about the smaller Arowana species. Read to the end to get the information and tips to set up the dragonfish tank properly.
Contents
What Is The Size Of An Average Arowana?
Averages Size Of Arowana
Weight: 10 pounds
Size: 3 feet
In nature, these freshwater creatures may reach the length of 4 feet, and a captive dragonfish can grow to a length of three feet. Arowana typically weighs around 10 pounds, but you can even find some of up to 15 pounds.
Arowanas are most frequently seen in silver and black. Black will be more pricey as they are rarer.
Although many nations forbid their importation from their home continent, Asian dragonfishes are highly prized for their brilliance.
What Is The Size Of The Smallest Arowana?
Twenty-four inches is the size of the smallest Arowana – the Australia Jardini Arowana. Still, some of them can develop to 30 inches.
Jardini is not as flexible as the rest of the Arowana despite being the shortest. To safely swim and turn, they will require a similar amount of room as their black or silver Arowana cousins.
Aquarists often keep Australian Arowana alone since they are aggressive and territorial. Despite your best efforts, there is no assurance that these dragonfish will allow their roommate dwellers to live.
Australia Jardini Arowana Size Information:
Size: 2 feet
Temperament:
- Aggressive
- Territorial
What Is Arowana’s Minimum Tank Size?
A minimum of 200 water gallons!
Australian Arowanas can reach a maximum length of 2 feet, so they require a sizable tank or pond to reside. Depending on what species you pick, the aquarium/pond size needed to host a particular Arowana will vary.
Whichever you select, a minimum of 15 gallons for every inch of Arowana length is a rule of thumb fish keepers should remember.
For instance, a 24-inch silver dragonfish calls for an aquarium of at least 360 gallons of water.
Don’t fret if the tank capacity needed for one Arowana is too big for you. An appropriate space in a big tank with many pets is fine. Arowanas are reported to function well in teams.
These dwellers need a minimum of 200 gallons in their tank, but larger tanks, such as 300 gallons or more, would be preferable since they have ample room to move and grow.
How To Set Up The Tank & Take Care The Smallest Arowana?
The cost of installing a dragonfish tank can vary based on the species you choose to keep. If you want to build a home for only one Arowana, the standard freshwater setup is ok for your pet.
Still, when you want to house many species, including dragonfish, you need a big pond or tank!
Tank Size
For your dragonfish to be comfortable moving around, fish keepers need to have a tank that is at least 50% bigger than its width. Arowana should sometimes be kept in ponds outside or swimming pools indoors, where they have lots of room to move and even jump!
Even if you buy a baby, be aware that they begin tiny but swiftly expand, reaching their largest size in just two years.
Substrate
The kind of substrate utilized has no bearing on Arowana because they live in the upper & middle water columns.
For Arowanas and other carnivores, many owners of big fish even utilize tanks with bare bottoms. But if you want to retain living plants, choose a substrate that best meets their requirements.
Current
Arowanas, which are native to tropical rivers that are prone to flooding, don’t like flowing, especially at the surface of the water, where they regularly look for prey. It is preferable to stay away from powerheads and direct the filtration units’ outflow in a manner that won’t put them under stress.
Additionally, young dragonfish have a hanging yolk sack which is particularly susceptible to harm from fast-moving objects.
Lighting
Strong tank lighting doesn’t suit the taste of Arowanas. Because of their propensity to reside close to the surface, medium to dim illumination is suggested. Their native rivers’ tannin-tainted waters are frequently black, which helps limit their exposure to sunlight.
Water Quality
Ideal water temperature: From 75 to 82 degrees
Optimum pH levels: From 6.5 to 7.5.
To preserve the water quality, we advise you to replace 25% of it each week and ensure your filtration system is powerful and effective.
Tank Location
Additionally, you might consider placing their aquarium in a room with less traffic in the house. Arowanas prefer a lot of room without abrupt movements or intense lights because of their skittish character.
Tank Mates
Keeping them alongside other aggressive types of fish is not a wise move since they are predators. Peaceful fish should be prioritized as you don’t want their tank mates to become their breakfast.
Parrot cichlid, Catfish, and Angelfish are some examples you can choose to go along with your dragonfish.
Diet
You should give your dragonfish a variety of items as well as a high-quality, tailored diet that includes crustaceans & tiny fish because they are carnivores.
Providing an assortment of things, such as smaller snakes, bigger insects, and even a frog, will be a special treat for them.
Before making dietary, medication, or exercise changes for your dragonfish, always consult with your pet veterinarian.
Tank Cover
Your tank should have a sturdy cover that is firmly fastened. An Arowana might easily remove a carelessly tightened cover due to its strength and love of jumping.
Filter
Depending on the water amount the filter can purify, water filters have different prices. A filter that can match or surpass the tank’s water volume is required for Arowana, which has a high water requirement.
Fill your tank with fine gravel and add some structure, such as pebbles or plants. A well-built tank structure is not necessary for Arowana because they are not a hider, although they do get agitated in an empty tank.
How To Maintain An Arowana’s Small Size?
The size of your Arowana depends on the aquarium size, food, & water quality. Most of the time, attempting to stunt its growth would be deemed cruel.
As they accumulate, your fish will gradually become poisoned by phosphates, ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. Its development and lifespan will undoubtedly be hindered as a result. A smaller aquarium will produce more contaminants and less oxygen.
Keep the young Arowana till they reach 2 feet, then attempt to trade them if they are too big for you. Fish owners willing to make a five to fifteen-year commitment and have enormous tanks are interested in these fish. Please think about your alternative possibilities if the fish is not for you.
Do Any Smaller Fish That Resemble Arowana Exit?
Yes. It is the African Butterflyfish with a max size of 5 inches. In fact, there is no dwarf Arowana.
The following are the resemblances:
- enjoy insects like crickets.
- elite swimmer.
- carnivorous.
- predatory.
- jumping ability.
- consume little fish.
Conclusion
Smallest Arowana? Well, there are no small dragonfish, honestly. If you love them in small sizes, just house them when they are in baby form. Then sell or trade later when your tank can not hold them, or you do not have enough condition to continue.
Jardini Arowana might be the best choice for the smallest Arowana if we must say a name. Still, they require as much space as other Arowana to swim and grow.
Alternatively, you can go with African Butterflyfish. They have similar features to Arowana, and their size is much smaller.
