Common Name: Jardini Arowana
Scientific Name: Scleropages jardini
Other Names: Australian Arowana, Pearl Arowana
Jardini Arowana are a large and stunning freshwater species that originates from the rivers and swamps of Northern Australia. They have a long and streamlined body with beautiful colors and unique behavior, making them a popular choice among experienced aquarists. They have a broad and slightly concave head, a large mouth, and large scales that can be various shades of silver, green, or gold.
Habitat and Distribution:
Jardini Arowanas are found in the rivers and swamps of Northern Australia, as well as in New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. They prefer warm, slow-moving waters with a sandy or rocky substrate and plenty of vegetation. In the wild, they are typically found in shallow water near the banks of rivers and are known to migrate long distances in search of food and breeding grounds.
Size and Lifespan:
Jardini Arowana can grow up to 2 feet in length in captivity, but in the wild, they can grow up to 3 feet in length. They can live for up to 10-15 years in the right conditions.
Diet and Behavior:
Jardini Arowana are carnivorous fish and require a diet rich in protein. They can be fed a variety of live or frozen foods such as shrimp, krill, and fish fillets. They are active swimmers and prefer to be in strong currents. They are also known to jump out of the water to catch prey such as insects or small animals that are near the water's surface.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Jardini Arowanas are difficult to breed in captivity and there is limited information available on their reproductive behavior in the wild.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Jardini Arowana require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space, a tight lid to prevent jumping, and a powerful filtration system to maintain good water quality. A tank size of at least 200 gallons is recommended for one adult Jardini Arowana.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Jardini Arowanas are best kept with other large aggressive fish such as large catfish or cichlids. They should not be kept with small, peaceful fish, as they may be seen as prey.
Difficulty Level:
Jardini Arowanas are considered to be a moderately difficult fish to keep in captivity, as they require a large aquarium and can be aggressive towards other fish. They are also sensitive to poor water quality, so regular water changes are necessary.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 75-82°F
pH: 6.0-7.5
General Hardness (GH): 2-12 dGH
Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-10 dKH
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: <20 ppm
Additional Information:
Jardini Arowanas are a beautiful and fascinating fish species that require specialized care and are not recommended for beginners. They are also known to be sensitive to water conditions and can be easily stressed, so it's important to maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden changes in water chemistry or temperature.
