Common Name: Short Body King Pearl Jardini Arowana
Scientific Name: Scleropages jardinii
Other Names: Pearl Arowana, Gulf Saratoga, Northern Saratoga
The Short Body King Pearl Jardini Arowana is a captive-bred short-body form of the Jardini arowana, with a compressed, deeper body than standard fish. Jardini arowanas have a long, streamlined body, a large upturned mouth with two chin barbels, and large scales that are each marked with a reddish or golden crescent, giving them a pearly, speckled look. Arowanas are prized for their graceful, gliding swimming style and are a centerpiece fish in many large aquariums.
Habitat and Distribution:
Jardini arowanas are native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea, where they live in rivers, billabongs and swamps. They spend most of their time near the surface among vegetation and submerged timber, watching for insects and small fish.
Size and Lifespan:
Short-body arowanas have a compressed, deeper body and stay noticeably shorter than the 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) a standard Jardini arowana can reach. With proper care they commonly live 10-15 years or more.
Diet and Behavior:
Jardini arowanas are carnivorous surface feeders that eat insects, crustaceans and small fish in the wild. In the aquarium, offer floating carnivore pellets, insects, shrimp and fish. They are aggressive and territorial, and are usually kept singly or with large, robust tank mates. Feed a varied diet and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Jardini arowanas are mouthbrooders; the eggs and fry are carried in the parent’s mouth until the young can fend for themselves. Breeding is rarely achieved in home aquariums and is mostly carried out in ponds by commercial farms.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A tank of at least 180 gallons (6 feet or longer) is recommended for an adult. Provide plenty of open swimming space at the surface, strong filtration and a heavy, tight-fitting lid, as arowanas are powerful jumpers. Subdued lighting and a calm location help reduce the risk of jumping injuries. The water temperature should be kept between 75-86°F (24-30°C), with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and soft to hard water. Regular partial water changes are essential to maintain water quality, and new arrivals should be acclimated slowly.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Suitable tank mates include large, robust fish that occupy the lower levels of the tank, such as large catfish, datnoids, bichirs and large cichlids. Avoid other surface-dwelling predators and any fish small enough to be eaten. As with any aquarium, introduce new fish carefully and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
Difficulty Level:
Advanced. Jardini arowanas need a very large, securely covered tank and careful tank mate selection due to their size and aggression. It is recommended only for experienced aquarists with the resources to meet its long-term needs.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75-86°F (24-30°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 5-15 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-10 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Jardini arowanas are considered one of the more aggressive arowana species, especially toward other surface-dwelling fish.
- Short-body arowanas have a compressed body shape but share the same care needs as standard fish.
- Fun fact: In Australia, Jardini arowanas are known as saratoga and are popular with anglers.
The Short Body King Pearl Jardini Arowana is a unique, eye-catching arowana for keepers with a large, securely covered aquarium.
