BRAZILIAN BLACK AROWANA

Brazilian Black Arowana Care Guide

The Brazilian Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai) is a stunning freshwater fish native to the slow-moving blackwater rivers of the Amazon Basin. Its dark, metallic sheen and graceful swimming style make it a prized addition to large aquariums. Known for its unique predatory behavior and fascinating appearance, this species requires a spacious, well-maintained environment.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • Juveniles: Minimum 150 gallons.
  • Adults: Minimum 300 gallons, with at least 6–8 feet of swimming length.
• Tank Setup:
  • Open swimming space is essential, with minimal obstructions.
  • Use driftwood and plants at the edges to replicate their natural habitat, but avoid cluttering.
  • Secure, tightly fitting lids are a must, as arowanas are powerful jumpers.
• Substrate: Sand or bare bottom for easy cleaning.
• Lighting: Moderate to dim lighting, as they prefer subdued environments.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–86°F (24–30°C)
• pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic)
• Hardness: Soft to moderately soft (2–10 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should remain below 20 ppm.
• Water Flow: Gentle to moderate, mimicking their natural blackwater environment.
• Water Changes: Perform weekly 20–30% water changes to maintain water quality.

Diet

Brazilian Black Arowanas are carnivorous and thrive on a varied diet:

• Staple Foods:
  • High-quality floating pellets formulated for carnivorous fish.
• Live/Frozen Foods:
  • Small fish, shrimp, insects, earthworms, and crustaceans.
  • Frozen offerings like krill, silversides, and bloodworms.
• Occasional Treats:
  • Mealworms or feeder fish (ensure feeder fish are quarantined and disease-free).
• Feeding Schedule: Feed once or twice daily, ensuring all food is consumed within a few minutes.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Generally peaceful but can be predatory towards smaller fish.
  • Avoid housing with overly aggressive tankmates.
• Tankmates:
  • Large, peaceful fish like stingrays, large catfish, and other non-aggressive cichlids.
  • Avoid small or slow-moving fish that may become prey.
• Activity Level: Active swimmer; mostly occupies the upper levels of the aquarium.

Breeding

Breeding Brazilian Black Arowanas in captivity is rare and challenging:

1. Spawning Conditions:
   • Requires an enormous tank or pond, as pairs need significant space.
   • Maintain warm, soft, and acidic water conditions.
2. Mouthbrooding:
   • Males carry eggs and fry in their mouths for up to 50 days.
3. Fry Care:
   • Once released, fry should be separated and fed small live foods like brine shrimp or finely crushed pellets.

Common Challenges

1. Tank Size: Their large size and active swimming habits demand very spacious aquariums.
2. Water Quality: Sensitive to poor water conditions; requires excellent filtration and maintenance.
3. Jumping: Their ability to jump several feet out of the water necessitates secure lids.
4. Feeding Habits: Overfeeding or a lack of variety can lead to health issues.

Interesting Facts

• The Brazilian Black Arowana is distinct from the more common Silver Arowana, with darker coloration that develops as they mature.
• They are air-breathing fish, capable of surviving in oxygen-poor environments.
• In their natural habitat, they are known to leap from the water to catch insects and small prey from overhanging branches.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	Minimum 300 gallons for adults
Water Parameters	pH 5.5–7.0, 75–86°F, soft water
Diet	Carnivorous: pellets, live, and frozen foods
Temperament	Peaceful but predatory towards smaller fish
Lifespan	15–20 years

With the right care, the Brazilian Black Arowana can become the centerpiece of a large aquarium, offering years of enjoyment with its graceful movements and striking appearance. It is best suited for advanced aquarists due to its size and specific needs.

4o