Species profile
Silver Arowana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
Aggressive
Hard care
2,000 L minimum aquarium
75–90 cm adult size
Top
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Huge surface predator and exceptional jumper. Adult housing must be several metres long with a rigid secure cover.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–30 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
1–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Top
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
7
Surface-oriented visual predator. Usually kept singly; it will eat smaller fish and can launch powerfully through weak lids or gaps.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
2,000 L
Minimum footprint
300 × 100 cm
Accepted scientific name
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
Alternative names
Silver Arowana, Silver Arawana, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
Native range
Amazon, Rupununi and Oyapock river systems of tropical South America.
Natural habitat
Slow rivers, floodplains and surface waters. Prioritise a very long/wide footprint, calm open surface, excellent filtration and a completely secure lid.
Diet & feeding
Surface predator/omnivore with a strong animal-food bias, taking fish, insects and crustaceans. Feed a varied prepared/frozen diet rather than live feeder fish.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
External sexing is unreliable. Mature males may show a larger/deeper oral cavity, but confirmed breeding behaviour or venting is more dependable.
Breeding
Paternal mouthbrooder: the male carries eggs, larvae and early juveniles for roughly six weeks.