Green Arowana : Appearance, Diet, Tank, and health

Green Arowana also is known as the Malaysian green Arowana is native to the freshwater reservoirs of Malaysia. This Arowana is a relatively rare Arowana species which is not very common across aquarium hobbyists. Let us now take a look at this magnificent fish. Also, let us try to appreciate it in the manner green Arowana deserves.

Green Arowana’s general appearance.

appearance wise they are not very different from Asian Arowana. In fact, a couple of differences include green shade on the scales and their region for natural occurrence.

Color-wise they are not apparently green but are somewhat pale silver. The said green coloration is perfectly evident under florescent lighting and blue background. Juveniles are brownish silver and if viewed side by side only very experienced fishkeepers can tell the difference between a jardini Arowana and a green Arowana. This happens when they are around 3-4 inches long.

As they grow they the DNA kicks in and distinguished features start to show up.

At 5-6 inches length the first sign of connecting juveniles to their kind. Their fins will start to show green shade, especially at the extremities. Yes, the tips of dorsal, caudal, and tail fins will go pale green. Also, they will gain a little weight but that beautiful streamline body is kept.

Their resemblance to Asian Arowana will be evident as they approach 8-10 inches of body length. Their torso will start to thicken up and they will start to look more and more like their parents.

A green Arowana will attain a length of three feet and the color will be visible. But as I have mentioned earlier that the darker shade of green will only be visible in florescent lighting with blue background up.

Also Check: RTG arowana : The Red Tail Golden Arowana.

Distinguishing it from Silver Asian Arowana.

At this point I would like to mention Silver Asian Arowana that is some times confused with the green Arowana and please do not confuse it with the Silver Arowana native to South American waters. This silver Asian Arowana is a fish that is having all features of Asian Arowana with the color of scales being silver.

There is an underlying controversy in identifying Silver Asian Arowana and green Arowana separately. There are some experts that consider both to be one just the matter of light and dark shades of green. Some experts distinguish them to be of different strands relating them to different regions of origins.

As for me, it doesn’t matter. I will cherish every opportunity of having them both or having different shades of one.

Green Arowana diet.

One thing you should keep in mind that they are fairly difficult to rear.

In my experience, this is the most difficult Arowana I have ever kept. green Arowana is very choosy towards their feed. They will go without food for weeks if their favorite food is not given. This species is especially stubborn.

There are several different things that you can try. But you should give them in small quantities. Fish, shrimp, Chicken breast, lamb organs, etc easily available meats are great options. Frozen counterparts of these could also do good just they increase your efforts to thaw and bring meats at room temperature. Live feeds like small fishes, rodents, small amphibians, insects are also good options. But they are not easily available and there is always a hygiene issue with these.

You can also try for black soldier fly larva from reputed companies. I prefer “Protyn” black soldier fly larva. They have several options but I prefer to buy live larva from “Protyn”.

Also Check: Red arowana. Most expensive dragon fish.

Green arowana tank.

They are massive fishes and so they require large aquariums. They will suffer from stunned growth and may die of organ failure if are kept in cramped housings. As per their size, an aquarium 8 feet long 3 feet wide and 3 feet high will be adequate. So, less than that won’t serve your fish for long and there will be filtration issues also.

Approximately a 1500 liters aquarium is what you will need for housing this behemoth.

Conclusion

I have kept green Arowana along with other members of the Arowana family. To my observation, it is a very appealing fish. But you need to understand that feeding this fish is a big problem. Mine just ate live molly, guppies, and frozen shrimps. I tried several other options but nothing actually worked other than above mentioned three options.

I really enjoyed keeping this fish but unfortunately, it didn’t make past its 3rd year. At that time it was around 10 inches long and was a sight to behold.

Let us know in the comments if there is anything else you would like to learn about this fish. Or, anything else about any other pet. Please subscribe to our newsletter and do share this piece of information with your family and friends.