Common name/s: Black Arowana.
Scientific name: Osteoglossum ferrerai.
Family: Osteoglossidae.
Origin: South America.
Maximum size: 24 " to 40", from my experience this species is not as fast growing as the Silver Arowana, also of South America.
Care: A minimum tank size for a adult fish should be 180 gallons (6x2x2'). Slightly acidic conditions are prefered, however, they are not fussy about water conditions as long extremes of pH and hardness are avoided. Good filtration is needed to keep the water quality good. These large predatory fish need a water change of at least 30-40% a week, a temperature of 24 to 30 centigrade is needed (75-86F).
Feeding: Young Black Arowanas which should be hand feed on bloodworms using the surface tension to float them. From here try to move them on to floating carnivour sticks for a stable diet regularly supplementing this with live, frozen and dried foods, fish and crickets are favourites.
Breeding and sexing: There are no reports of captive breeding but the species is known to be a mouth brooder.
Comments: A peaceful Arowana that can be kept in an adaquetly sized tank with other large and relatively peaceful species. Most specimens seen in the shops are young fish, do not buy them while the egg sac is still attached and ask to see the fish feed before you bring it home. As they age the eye bands and dark colouration are lost, leaving adult fish a darkish silvery colour. Nice specimens will retain a blue hue around the edges of their fins.
