Jardini Arowana are large, captivating freshwater fish that can add an unparalleled sense of beauty and intrigue to your aquarium. While they undoubtedly make a striking centerpiece, their care requirements call for experience and dedication.
As an aquarist, you’ll need to have the necessary background and space to accommodate these awe-inspiring creatures. When adequately cared for, Jardini Arowanas can be a rewarding and thrilling addition to your aquatic collection.
This guide will serve as your ultimate resource for keeping a healthy and thriving Jardini Arowana. Armed with the knowledge from this article, you’ll be ready to take on the challenge and provide the proper habitat for your Jardini Arowana to flourish.
Species Table
Here’s a handy table to provide you with an easy-to-read summary of the Jardini Arowana’s specifications:
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Scleropages jardinii |
| Common names | Jardini Arowana, Australian Arowana |
| Distribution | Northern Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia |
| Size | Up to 3 feet (90 cm) |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Diet | Carnivorous |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Minimum tank size | 150 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Water hardness | Soft to moderately hard |
| Care level | Intermediate |
| Filtration/Water Flow | Strong filter, moderate flow |
| Water type | Freshwater |
| Breeding | Egg layer |
| Breeding difficulty | Challenging |
| Compatibility | Large, non-aggressive tank mates |
Incorporate these guidelines into your care routine to ensure your Jardini Arowana thrives in its new home. Remember, a healthy environment is key to its well-being, so always monitor water parameters and maintain a clean, balanced tank. Good luck!
Jardini Arowana Basics
Species Overview
Jardini Arowanas are large freshwater fish native to the rivers and billabongs of northern Australia. They thrive in warm, slow-moving waters with a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C) and a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0.
Lifespan
With proper care, your Jardini Arowana can live up to 10-15 years. Maintain a clean, well-filtered environment and a balanced diet to ensure their health and longevity.
Size
These intimidating fish grow rapidly, reaching an adult size of around 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) long. To accommodate their size and active nature, a minimum 150-gallon tank is recommended, focusing on the width and length rather than just height.
Behavior and Social Interaction
Temperament
Jardini Arowana are known for their aggressive nature, typically being territorial and dominant. Despite their beauty, they may not be the best choice for a peaceful community tank. You’ll need to closely monitor their behavior to ensure they don’t cause harm to other fish.
Tank Mates
Selecting suitable tank mates for a Jardini Arowana is crucial due to their predatory instincts. It’s best to avoid smaller, slow-moving fish, as they can become easy targets. Instead, consider pairing your Arowana with larger, semi-aggressive species such as large cichlids, plecos, and Oscars. Keep in mind that adjusting tank conditions to accommodate the needs of all inhabitants is essential for a harmonious environment.
Housing and Tank Setup
Tank Size Requirements
Your Jardini Arowana needs sufficient space to swim and grow, so provide a minimum of 150-gallon aquarium1. Keep in mind, the tank’s width and length are more important than its height due to their surface-swimming habit.
Aquarium Decor
To mimic their natural habitat, include driftwood and hiding spots in the tank2. Use plants like Amazon swords or Java ferns, but ensure they have ample space to swim.
Water Parameters
Maintain water temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C) with a pH level of 6.0-7.02. Place driftwood pieces to help regulate the pH level and ensure proper aquarium filtration to prevent sickness2.
Here is a quick reference:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| pH Level | 6.0-7.0 |
Footnotes
Diet and Feeding
Nutritional Needs
Jardini Arowana are carnivorous fish with a preference for protein-rich foods. In their natural habitat, they primarily hunt live prey like earthworms, crickets, frogs, shrimps, and crayfish. To maintain a healthy diet for your Jardini Arowana, feed them an assortment of live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods such as fish, insects, worms, and shrimp. For juvenile arowanas, avoid insects or invertebrates with sharp or hard shells.
Feeding Schedule
As surface feeders, Jardini Arowanas typically glide just below the water’s surface, looking for food. It’s important to feed them once a day, making sure to keep a consistent schedule. Monitor your fish carefully during feeding time and adjust the amount and variety of food accordingly. Regular water changes (15-20% per week) are crucial, as they help to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your Jardini Arowana.
Suitable Tank Mates
When choosing tank mates for your Jardini Arowana, it’s essential to consider their compatibility with this large and sometimes aggressive fish. You want to make sure that both your Arowana and its tank mates can coexist peacefully in the same environment.
One factor to keep in mind is the size of the tank mates. Smaller fish may be seen as prey by the Jardini Arowana, so it’s best to choose fish of a similar size or larger. Additionally, opt for peaceful or semi-aggressive species, as aggressive tank mates can lead to unnecessary stress or conflicts.
Here are some suitable tank mates for your Jardini Arowana:
- Clown Loach
- Bichir
- Tinfoil Barb
- Oscar
- Silver Dollar
- Giant Gourami
- Plecostomus
Remember that each fish has its own requirements for water temperature, pH level, and general care, so always research the best conditions for each species to ensure a healthy, thriving aquarium. With careful selection and proper care, your Jardini Arowana and its tank mates can create a beautiful and harmonious aquatic community.
Breeding Process
Breeding Jardini Arowanas can be challenging. However, with proper knowledge and care, you can successfully breed these fascinating fish. Here’s a step-by-step guide for breeding Jardini Arowanas:
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Sexing the fish: It’s difficult to accurately identify the genders of Jardini Arowanas, but males generally have a slightly larger and broader head. Try to pick a pair with these characteristics.
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Prepare the tank: Provide a spacious tank with a minimum size of 250 gallons to prevent territorial issues. Maintain a water temperature of 75-86°F and pH range of 6.0-7.0.
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Mimic natural conditions: To encourage breeding, slightly lower the water temperature and increase the water flow to simulate natural rainfall. You can also introduce hiding spots using plants or other tank decorations.
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Feeding: Offer a protein-rich diet with live food sources like earthworms, crickets, frogs, shrimps, and crayfish. A proper diet will help increase the chances of successful breeding.
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Monitor interactions: Regularly observe the pair’s behavior to ensure compatibility. If they don’t show compatibility signs such as socializing or swimming together, try introducing another potential mate.
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Spawning process: Once the pair is ready, they will lay eggs on a flat surface or elevated platform. Afterward, the male will fertilize the eggs, and they should hatch within a few days.
Remember to be patient, as achieving successful breeding might take a few attempts. With proper care and attention, you can increase the chances of having baby Jardini Arowanas in your aquarium.
Health and Wellness
Common Health Issues
Your Jardini Arowana may encounter some health issues like dropsy, fin rot, and ich. Dropsy is caused by a bacterial infection and can lead to swelling in the abdomen. Fin rot, on the other hand, is characterized by frayed or disintegrating fins and is also caused by bacteria. Ich is a parasitic infection that causes white spots on the fish’s body.
Preventative Care
To minimize the risk of these health issues, maintain an ideal water temperature of 75-82°F (24-28°C) and a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. Use an aquatic heater to keep the temperature stable, and add aquarium salt to support your Arowana’s gill health. Including pieces of driftwood in the tank will aid in lowering the water’s pH level.
Effective aquarium filtration is crucial to prevent sickness. Perform regular water changes and keep the tank clean. Feed your Jardini Arowana a balanced diet, which should include a mix of insects, fish, and crustaceans for optimal health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank is suitable for a Jardini Arowana?
A Jardini Arowana requires a large tank due to its size and active nature. It’s recommended to provide a tank of at least 200 gallons for a single Jardini Arowana. Ensure the tank is long and wide to allow ample swimming space.
How can I maintain the proper water conditions for my Jardini Arowana?
Maintain water temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C). Keep the pH level between 6.0 and 7.0, which is neutral to slightly acidic. Use a reliable heater and thermometer to regulate temperature and monitor frequently. Introduce driftwood to the tank to help lower the pH level. A robust aquarium filtration system is essential to prevent illnesses.
What is the ideal diet for a healthy Jardini Arowana?
Jardini Arowanas are carnivorous. Feed them a well-balanced diet consisting of floating pellets designed for surface-feeding carnivorous fish, live, frozen or freeze-dried fish and insects, krill, worms, and shrimp. For juvenile Arowanas, avoid insects or invertebrates with sharp or very hard shells.
How can I identify the different colors and variations in Jardini Arowanas?
Jardini Arowanas have a unique appearance, with color patterns and variations distinguishing them from other Arowana species. Observe their body shape, color, and markings, as well as the presence of distinctive features such as spines on fins. Consult a specialized fish identification guide for more specific details.
What factors affect the lifespan of a Jardini Arowana?
Proper care, feeding, and maintaining optimal water conditions contribute to the longevity of a Jardini Arowana. Stress, poor water quality, and an inadequate diet can negatively affect their lifespan. Jardini Arowanas typically live for around 10-15 years, but can exceed that with exceptional care.
How do Jardini Arowanas compare to Silver Arowanas in terms of care and behavior?
While Jardini Arowanas may appear similar to Silver Arowanas when in their juvenile stage, they exhibit differences in care and behavior. Jardini Arowanas are generally smaller but more aggressive than Silver Arowanas. Both species require a large aquarium, proper water conditions, and a carnivorous diet, but pay particular attention to the Jardini’s territorial nature and temperament when selecting tank mates.