Australian Arowana (Scleropages jardinii) Care Guide
Scleropages jardinii is a large bonytongue from northern Australia and New Guinea, growing near 90 cm and requiring a very large dedicated tank.
Overview
Scleropages jardinii is a bonytongue fish of the family Osteoglossidae, native to northern Australia and central-southern New Guinea. It is also known as the gulf saratoga, northern saratoga or pearl arowana. The body is elongated and carries large scales arranged in rows, each marked with reddish or pinkish crescent spots that give a pearly appearance. It is a surface-oriented predator and one of the largest freshwater fish kept in private aquaria.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osteoglossidae
- Genus: Scleropages
- Scientific name: Scleropages jardinii
- Describer: Saville-Kent, 1892
Habitat
The species occurs across the Gulf of Carpentaria drainage system, west to the Adelaide River in the Northern Territory, northern Queensland and central-southern New Guinea. It inhabits still, clear waters of pools and billabongs, as well as the slow-flowing sections of streams, where it swims near the surface.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 2000 L (528 gal)
- Temperature: 24-30 °C (75-86 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Adult size: 60-90 cm (24-35 in)
- Lifespan: 15-25 years
- A tightly secured lid is essential, as the species jumps
Diet
Scleropages jardinii is a carnivore and opportunistic surface feeder. In the wild it takes terrestrial and aquatic insects, small fishes, frogs, crustaceans and some plant material. In captivity it accepts large meaty foods; the FishBase trophic level is estimated at 2.8.
Compatibility
This is an aggressive, territorial top-swimmer. It is generally kept alone or only with large, robust tankmates that cannot be swallowed, and small fish should be avoided as they are treated as prey.
Breeding
The species is a mouthbrooder. Unlike the Asian arowana, in which the male broods, evidence suggests that in S. jardinii the female carries the developing young in her mouth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 14 February 2019). The species also supports commercial aquaculture and the aquarium trade.