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Midwest Aquarium and Pond Supplier LLC
(194) African arowana
(194) African arowana
Giá thông thường
$149.97 USD
Giá thông thường
Giá ưu đãi
$149.97 USD
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The African arowana (Heterotis niloticus), also known as the Nile arowana or boneytongue, is a unique and ancient freshwater fish native to the major river systems and floodplains of Africa, including the Nile, Niger, and Congo basins. Unlike other arowana species, it is primarily a filter feeder and is more closely related to the Arapaima than to the South American or Asian arowanas.
Key Characteristics
- Size: This is a large fish that can reach up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length and weigh over 22 pounds (10 kg) in the wild. In captivity, they typically grow to around 18-24 inches but require a very large tank to reach their full potential.
- Appearance: It has an elongated, streamlined body covered in large, silver, gray, or bronze scales. The dorsal and anal fins are set far back on the body, near the rounded caudal fin. Adults have a uniform coloration, while juveniles may display dark longitudinal bands. It lacks the barbels seen on other arowana varieties and has a more terminal (forward-facing) mouth.
- Unique Adaptations: The African arowana possesses air-breathing organs, which allow it to survive in oxygen-depleted waters. It also has a specialized suprabranchial organ used to concentrate small planktonic food particles.
Diet and Behavior
In the wild, the African arowana's diet shifts as it grows. Juveniles mainly feed on aquatic invertebrates, while adults are omnivores, primarily consuming plankton, detritus, and seeds. They use a thick-walled gizzard filled with sand to help break down tough seeds.
In the aquarium, they can be a bit challenging to feed when young, requiring small, frequent meals of bloodworms, small chopped prawns, and ground-up pellets. As they grow, they can be fed high-quality pellets, larger crustaceans, and insect larvae. They are active, constant swimmers and not aggressive like their relatives, but will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth.
Aquarium Care
- Tank Size: A very large aquarium (150+ gallons for an adult) with ample swimming space is essential. The tank should be longer and wider than it is high.
- Lid: A secure, tight-fitting lid is mandatory, as they are powerful jumpers.
- Water Conditions: They prefer a temperature range of 77–86°F (25–30°C) and a pH of 6.0–7.5.
- Tank Mates: They are generally peaceful but predatory. Suitable companions are other large, non-aggressive fish such as large catfish or bichirs. They are territorial with their own kind, so keeping a group can be difficult outside of a very large pond environment.
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