BRAZILIZN ALBINO AROWANA

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Brazilian Albino Arowana Care Guide

The Brazilian Albino Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai, albino variant) is a rare and visually striking freshwater fish known for its golden-white body and red eyes. Originating from the blackwater rivers of the Amazon Basin, this fish requires specialized care to maintain its beauty and health. Its elegance and unique coloration make it a prized choice for advanced aquarists with large aquariums.

Tank Requirements

  • Tank Size:
    • Juveniles: Minimum 150 gallons.
    • Adults: At least 300 gallons, with a minimum tank length of 6–8 feet to accommodate their size and swimming needs.
  • Tank Setup:
    • Open swimming space is essential, with minimal decorations.
    • Add driftwood and floating plants to create a natural and subdued environment.
    • Ensure a secure, tightly fitting lid as arowanas are powerful jumpers.
  • Substrate: Sand or a bare-bottom tank is preferred for ease of cleaning.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting to prevent stress while highlighting their coloration.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 75–86°F (24–30°C)
  • pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately soft water (2–10 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should remain below 20 ppm.
  • Water Flow: Low to moderate flow, replicating calm blackwater rivers.
  • Water Changes: Weekly water changes of 20–30% are crucial for maintaining pristine water quality.

Diet

Albino Arowanas are carnivorous and thrive on a varied, high-protein diet:

  • Staple Foods:
    • High-quality floating pellets designed for carnivorous fish.
  • Live/Frozen Foods:
    • Small fish, shrimp, insects, earthworms, and krill.
    • Frozen foods such as silversides, bloodworms, and mysis shrimp.
  • Occasional Treats:
    • Mealworms, crickets, or feeder fish (ensure they are healthy and disease-free).
  • Feeding Schedule: Feed once or twice daily, ensuring they consume all food within 3–5 minutes.

Behavior and Compatibility

  • Temperament:
    • Generally peaceful but predatory towards smaller fish.
    • They exhibit a calm demeanor but require ample space to reduce stress and territorial behavior.
  • Tankmates:
    • Large, peaceful fish like stingrays, large catfish, or other similar-sized species.
    • Avoid small fish or aggressive species that may provoke stress or conflict.
  • Activity Level: Active swimmers that occupy the upper water column.

Breeding

Breeding Albino Arowanas in captivity is extremely rare due to their size and specific requirements:

  1. Spawning Setup:
    • Requires a very large tank or pond, with stable warm and acidic water conditions.
    • Provide an environment free of stressors and disturbances.
  2. Mouthbrooding:
    • Males incubate eggs and fry in their mouths for up to 50 days.
  3. Fry Care:
    • Once released, fry should be moved to a separate tank and fed live baby brine shrimp or finely powdered food.

Common Challenges

  1. Tank Size: Their large adult size and swimming habits demand significant space.
  2. Water Quality Sensitivity: Pristine water conditions are vital; fluctuations can lead to health issues.
  3. Jumping: Their strong jumping abilities require a secure lid to prevent injuries or escape.
  4. Albino Sensitivity: The albino variant is more sensitive to bright light and water quality changes, requiring extra care.

Interesting Facts

  • The Albino Arowana is a genetic variation of the Brazilian Black Arowana, known for its rare and mesmerizing appearance.
  • It uses its strong jumping ability to catch prey in the wild, such as insects and small animals.
  • Albino Arowanas have poor eyesight compared to their non-albino counterparts, relying more on their lateral line to sense movement.

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

The Brazilian Albino Arowana is a true showpiece fish, suitable for aquarists dedicated to meeting its unique needs. Its combination of beauty, grace, and rarity makes it a treasured addition to any large, well-maintained aquarium.