HOW TO FEED AN AROWANA

Arowana are large-scaled, omnivorous fish from Asia and South America. They eat a variety of food in captivity, including prepared pellets, shrimp, insects and live or dead feeder fish. Often sold as small babies, they grow quickly and can reach up to 48 inches in length. They need a large aquarium. Minimum size for an adult arowana is 300 gallons. They are best kept alone or with fish of other species that are similar in size, as they are aggressive toward other arowana and may make a meal out of smaller tank mates.


Instructions

1. Feed floating pellets formulated for arowana. They are available at pet stores and provide a complete diet. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

2. Quarantine feeder fish for at least 24 hours before adding them to an arowana's tank to make sure they are healthy. Live fish can carry diseases that can be transmitted to the arowana.

3. Feed insects by scattering them on the surface of the water. Arowana tend to feed at the surface, so floating insects are easy for them to pick up.

4. Feed pieces of shrimp or fish by hand, or by using tweezers or tongs. Arowanas do not have dangerous teeth, so it is safe to put your hand in the tank.

Tips & Warnings

• Feed only the amount the arowana can eat within a few minutes. If any food is left over, remove it from the tank. The one exception is feeder fish, which can be left in the tank until consumed. Other foods can negatively affect water quality when they start to decompose.
• Young fish should be fed daily, adult fish every other day.
• Pellet food is a complete diet. If feeding other foods, alternate them each feeding session so the fish receives adequate nutrition.