Arawana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)

Scientific name: Osteoglossum bicirrhosum Cuvier, 1829

Arawana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)
Photo: https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/osteoglossum-bicirrhosum/

The Arawana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is a freshwater fish of the family Osteoglossidae that grows to about 120 cm (47 in). It is easy to keep and aggressive, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 475 L (125 US gal), water at 25–30°C (77–86°F) and a pH of 6.0–6.5. Native range: South America, Amazon, Rupununi and Oyapock River basins.

Arawana care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Aggressive
Community tank
Good
Adult size
120 cm (47 in)
Minimum tank
475 L (125 US gal)
Temperature
25–30°C (77–86°F)
pH
6.0–6.5
Hardness
2–10 dGH (36–178 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore

Biology

Body covered with very big scales; dorsal and anal fins almost fused with the caudal fin; 2 barbels at the extremity of the lower jaw; adult silvery, juvenile with blue glints and a yellow-orange bar.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
Family
Osteoglossidae (Arowanas)
Order
Osteoglossiformes (Bony tongues)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
90.0
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Amazon River basin, Rupununi and Oyapock Rivers.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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