Arowanas are the kind of fish that make people stop and stare at a tank. I’ve seen them in person at Aquashella and Reefapalooza and they genuinely command attention in a way few other freshwater fish do. But I also want to be upfront: they’re not a fish you buy on impulse. They need enormous tanks as adults, they’re skilled jumpers, and silver arowanas in particular get sold as small juveniles without buyers understanding what they’re signing up for. If you go in with realistic expectations, though, they’re extraordinary animals to keep.

Arowana are one of the most impressive fish you can keep in a home aquarium — and one of the most demanding. Silver arowanas in particular are sold as juveniles that look completely manageable, but they routinely reach 3–4 feet and need a tank well over 200 gallons as adults. I’m always honest with people asking about these: they’re a long-term commitment that requires serious space and a serious filtration setup. Asian arowana varieties are CITES-protected and illegal to import to the US without special documentation, so most American hobbyists are working with Silver or Black arowanas. Here’s the full breakdown on what they actually need.

An Overview

What is it?

Arowana is a type of freshwater fish native to South America. They are also known as bony tongue fish or dragon fish. Arowana fish are popular in the aquarium trade for their unique appearance. They can grow to over three feet long and have long, slender bodies with scales resembling armor. Arowana fish are predators, and their diet consists mainly of small mammals, reptiles, and other fish. 

Arowanas are predatory fish that have giant mouths with sharp teeth. They are considered good luck in many cultures and are often kept as pets. They are known for jumping out of the water and catching prey in the wild. Arowanas are also used in Chinese medicine. There are many different species of Arowana fish. The most common ones kept as pets are the Asian Arowana (not legal in the US), Australian Arowana, and African Arowana. These fish can grow quite large, so they must have plenty of space in their tank. 

Types of them (Osteoglossum Bicirrhosum)

Here are the different types of Silver Arowana fish.

The Silver type

The silver Arowana is native to Australia and is one of the most popular types of Arowana.

The Australian type

The Australian arowana is also quite popular in various parts of Australia.

The Black type (Osteglossum ferreiral)

The black Arowana is native to Africa and is considered one of the rarest types of Arowana. The Black Arowana fish love to feast on live fish, large insects, spiders, Tubifex worms, pellets, and flakes.

The African (Heterotis niloticus)

The African Arowana is also quite rare and can be found in various parts of Africa.

The Southern Saratoga (Scleropages leichardti)

The southern saratoga is located in South America and is one of the less common types of Arowana.

Each type of Arowana has its distinct coloration and patterns, making them all highly sought-after by aquarium enthusiasts.

Origin Of This Fish species

Arowana fish are tropical fish that are believed to have originated in the Amazon rainforest. The Arowana is freshwater fish native to South America and can be found in Brazil, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. Their common name derives from the Old Tupi word for “silverfish.” Arowana is a predatory fish that mainly eats other fish. They have long bodies and giant mouths and can grow up to 1 m (3 ft) in length.

Habitat 

Arowanas inhabit slow-moving waters in rivers and lakes, often near the surface, where they can gulp down insects and small mammals. Arowanas are also known as “bony tongues” because of their long, bony tongues. Arowanas prefer slow-moving waters and can often be found near the surface of rivers and streams. They are carnivores and eat smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.

Arowanas are also known for their unique ability to “jump” out of the water to catch prey (see the video above from Nat Geo Wild). Due to their beauty and rarity, Arowanas have become a popular choice for aquariums. However, they can be challenging to care for due to their large size and specialized diet requirements.

Habitats In The Wild

Osteoglossidae family members are commonly found across most continental areas, including Australia. Probably due to an old fish species. In the Jurassic Period Arowana’s predecessors lived in Gondwana, the supercontinent, which has divided into several continents over the course of the Earth’s history. 

The fish originates in the southern hemisphere and includes the amazon rivers Rupununis, Orinoco, and Essequibo.

Appearance 

The appearance of the Arowana fish can be pretty variable. Most Arowana has long and slender bodies with ample heads and mouths. They are covered in large, shiny scales, which may be green, blue, red, or silver. They have long, flowing fins and a protruding lower jaw. Arowanas use their powerful jaws to snatch up prey whole.

Many aquarium enthusiasts prize Arowanas due to their unique appearance and interesting behavior. These fish can be aggressive towards other tank mates, so they should be kept with caution. Some species of Arowana can grow to over three feet in length. Arowana is native to the tropical waters of South America and Asia.

In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving rivers and lakes. Some species of Arowana are also found in brackish water habitats, such as estuaries and mangrove swamps.

Lifespan

Arowana fish have a lifespan of up to 15 years in captivity, though their life expectancy in the wild is unknown. These fish grow relatively slowly, reaching a maximum length of around three feet.

Average size 

Arowana fish typically grow to be about 2-3 feet long. However, some Arowana species can grow up to 4 feet in length. The average weight of an Arowana is around 10 pounds, but some individuals can weigh up to 15 pounds or more. 

Arowana Care

Arowanas are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you will need to keep in mind. First, they need an aquarium 8 feet long and at least 250 gallons to house a full-grown adult. You will need an even larger aquarium and more if you plan on keeping multiple Arowanas!

Second, they must have plenty of hiding places and cover in their tank because these fish like to hide, so plants or rocks can be used to create some hiding spots. Some aquarists opt for dark backgrounds with tanks to give the large Arowanas piece of mind. It is also essential to have good filtration in the tank as these fish produce a lot of waste. Arowanas are shy fish and will stress easily if they do not feel safe.

Finally, Arowanas are messy eaters, so you must do regular water changes and frequently clean your filter. Arowanas are carnivores and require a diet of live or frozen food, such as insects, shrimp, and crickets. These fish should be fed 2-3 times per day, and it is best to provide them with small amounts at once.

Overfeeding can lead to health problems such as obesity and swim bladder disease.

Tank Setup

The Arowana fish is one of the most popular fish in the aquarium trade. They are native to South America and have a rapid growth rate. Arowanas are carnivorous and need a diet primarily consisting of live food, such as insects, small mammals, and other fish.

Setting up an aquarium for an Arowana fish requires some specific considerations. First, you will need an aquarium of at least eight feet because they can grow quite large. Second, arowanas are carnivores and will require a diet that consists primarily of live food.

Therefore, you will need to set up your Silver Arowana tank with plenty of hiding places where live food can be found so your Arowana can hunt them down. Arowanas are also tropical fish, which makes their ideal temperature in the range of 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to their large size, it’s recommended you either have a canister filter with an inline heater or opt for titanium heaters, which are designed to handle the abuse of large fish.

Arowanas are native to slow-moving rivers and flooded forests in Asia, so their tanks should be set up accordingly. Include plenty of hiding places among driftwood, rocks, and plants.

Ideal Tank Size

The average Arowana fish will need at least an 8-foot-long tank. However, the bigger the Silver Arowana tank, the better. If you’re planning on keeping more than one Arowana fish, you’ll need to increase the size of your tank accordingly. Arowana fish are active swimmers and will require plenty of space to move around.

Water Parameters

The ideal water parameters for keeping Arowana are:

• pH range 6.5-7.5
• Water hardness: 10-20DH
• Water temperature: 75-82F 

These fish are also susceptible to changes in water quality and are hard on a bioload. Regular testing and maintenance of the aquarium are necessary.

Filtration And Aeration

Filtration is essential in keeping your Arowana healthy and free from harmful toxins. A large filtration system will remove debris, waste, and other unwanted particles from the water. This will help to keep the water clean and clear and also help to improve the quality of the air within the tank.

Aeration is also an essential part of fish care. Aeration helps to keep dissolved oxygen levels high in the water, which is necessary for fish health. It also helps to circulate the water within the tank, which can improve overall water quality. Both factors are essential for keeping your Arowana fish healthy and happy. It helps to keep the water oxygenated and fresh, which is necessary for the health of your fish.

These fish require monster filters. Consider either an aquarium sump or specialized canister filter like a Fluval FX series when attempting to keep these fish.

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Lighting

They are known for their bright colors and long bodies. When it comes to lighting for arowana fish, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. 

The first is the color of the light. Arowanas are very sensitive to light, so you want to ensure the light you choose is not too bright or too dim. You also want to make sure the light does not have any blue or green in it, as this can be harmful to their eyes.

The second thing you need to consider is the intensity of the light. Arowanas like moderate lighting, so you don’t want to go too overboard with it. Too much light can stress them out and cause them health problems.

Finally, you need to think about how long the light should be on each day. Arowanas need 12–14 hours of daylight each day, so you will need to find a light that provides this amount of time without being too harsh on their eyes. An aquarium background will also enhance the look of Arowana and provide comfort to your fish. A dark background is preferable for them.

Aquatic Plants and Decoration

Aquatic plants are difficult to choose for Arowanas. Given their size, they can uproot or knock down many types of plants. Consider picking plants that can be attached to rocks or driftwood, like Anubias.

Floating plants may not be the best choice for Arowanas as they like to eat from the surface and will jump out of the tank to get food. While it can lessen the light intensity, it’s best to avoid floating plants in general.

For rocks, a good option would be lava rocks since they can house bacteria and help with filtration in the aquarium. Large pieces of driftwood can also be used to decorate the aquarium. However, Arowana purists often opt for a bare-bottom, large aquarium with a dark background when choosing to house these fish.

Tank Maintenance

One of the most important things to remember when caring for Silver Arowanas is to maintain a clean tank. Arowanas are sensitive to water quality and can develop health problems if their tank is not maintained correctly.

Remove all the decorations and gravel to clean your Arowana’s tank. Rinse the decorations and gravel with fresh water to remove dirt or debris. Then, scrub the inside of the tank with mild detergent to remove any algae or buildup.

Rinse the tank thoroughly with fresh water before adding the decorations and gravel. It’s essential to do regular water changes and keep an eye on your filtration system to ensure it’s working correctly.

If you’re considering getting an Arowana fish, be prepared to take the time and effort to care for it properly. With proper tank maintenance and a nutritious diet, your Arowana will thrive and bring you years of enjoyment. 

Substrate

The substrate you choose for your Arowana fish is important not only for the health of your fish but also for the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium. There are many different types of substrates available on the market, so it is important to do some research to find the one that is best suited for your Arowana fish.

One type of substrate that is often used in Arowana tanks is sand. Sand provides a natural look and feel to the aquarium and can help maintain water quality. However, sand can be difficult to clean and may need to be replaced more frequently than other substrates. Gravel is another popular option for Arowana tanks. 

Gravel comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can create an appealing aquascape. Gravel is also easy to clean and does not need to be replaced as often as sand. If you are looking for a low-maintenance substrate option, consider using artificial plants or rocks. 

These options are easy to care for and will not impact water quality. Artificial plants and rocks can also provide hiding places for your Arowana fish, which can help reduce stress levels.

Fish Tank Mates

Arowanas are beautiful and unique but not good community fish. They make lovely additions to any aquarium. While they can be kept alone, many aquarists choose to keep them with other fish. 

When selecting suitable tank mates for your Arowana, it is essential to consider the size and temperament of the fish. Arowanas are predatory fish and can reach lengths of up to three feet, so they should not be kept with smaller fish that they may view as potential prey.

It is also important to avoid keeping very aggressive fish with your Arowana, as they may stress the fish out or even injure them. Some good tank mates for arowanas include other large, milder-mannered fish like Oscarfish and the Plecostomus catfish. 

These fish are all similar in size to arowanas and have mellow personalities that won’t bother them. Other possible tank mates include certain species of turtles like Fly River Turtles, which can help keep the tank clean but should not be housed with arowanas long-term since they will eventually outgrow their quarters.

All of these fish get along because they share similar habitats and have comparable sizes. They also have high levels of compatibility regarding aggression and feeding habits. If you want to keep your Arowana happy and healthy, include at least one or two of these community mates in their tank. If you’re looking for something different, some people have even had success keeping arowanas with freshwater rays. 

Breeding

Arowana fish are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. The female will lay anywhere from 20 to 100 eggs at a time, and the male will fertilize them. Once the eggs are laid, the parents will generally abandon them. The eggs will hatch anywhere from 6 to 10 days later, and the fry will be free swimming soon after that. Once the eggs have hatched, the fry (baby fish) must be removed from the main tank as their parents will eat them.

The fry can be raised in a separate tank and should be fed on live foods such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. As they grow, the Arowanas should be moved into progressively larger tanks until they reach adulthood, at which point they can be moved into a final display tank. 

Arowanas can be bred in captivity, and many different strains have been developed. Some of the more popular strains include the green Arowana, blue Arowana, and red Arowana.

Arowanas are relatively easy to breed if you have a large enough tank and good water quality. They are not picky eaters and will readily accept most types of food. 

Setting Up A Separate Breeding Tank For Them

Arowana fish are beautiful and majestic creatures that can make great additions to any home aquarium. 

However, these fish can also be quite difficult to breed in captivity. Suppose you’re interested in breeding Arowana fish. In that case, it’s essential to set up a separate breeding tank to meet these fish’s specific needs.

• When setting up a breeding tank for Arowana fish, choosing a size that will be large enough to accommodate the adult fish is essential.
• These fish can grow quite large, so you’ll need a tank that is at least 100 gallons in size. 
• You’ll also need to ensure the tank has plenty of hiding places and caves for the Arowana fry to hide in when they are born.
• It’s essential to maintain high water quality in the breeding tank, as Arowana fry are very sensitive to changes in water quality.
• Be sure to do regular water changes and carefully monitor ammonia and nitrite levels.
• It’s also a good idea to provide plenty of live food for the fry, as they will have difficulty feeding on dry pellets or flakes. 

With proper care and attention, breeding Arowana fish in captivity can be a rewarding experience. 

By having a dedicated breeding tank, you can control the environment more efficiently and ensure the water temperature is high enough for the arowana to breed successfully. In addition, having a separate breeding tank allows you to keep an eye on the Arowana fry without worrying about them being eaten by other fish in the tank.

Food and Diet

Arowana fish are carnivores and will eat just about anything that fits in their mouths. In the wild, their diet consists of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. 

They have even been known to eat smaller arowana fish. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods, including pellets, live food, and frozen food. It is important to supplement their diet with live food as well, such as worms or crickets, to ensure that they get all the nutrients they need. 

Arowana fish are generally not picky eaters, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when feeding them. First of all, their diet should be high in protein as this is what helps them grow and stay healthy. Secondly, you should avoid giving them too much fat, as this can lead to health problems such as obesity. 

It is important to remember that arowanas must always be offered food that is appropriate for their size; offering too large of a food item can result in serious injury or even death. Lastly, make sure they always have access to clean water, as they need it to stay hydrated. 

How Often Should You Feed Them?

Arowana fish should be fed once or twice a day, depending on their size and appetite. It is important to not overfeed them, as this can lead to health problems.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whew, went through a lot of information today 😅. Thank you for sticking around until the end. Have you kept these fish before? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I love starting a conversation with my readers. We can all learn from each other and become better aquarists for it. Thank you for stopping by, and see you next time when we post new content.

📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide — your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

Archer fish are one of those species I always recommend people see in person before they dismiss them — the hunting behavior alone makes them worth keeping. I’ve watched them spit water with precision to knock insects off overhanging plants, and it never gets old. They’re brackish water fish, which puts some people off, but their care is straightforward once you understand their water requirements. Here’s what I’ve learned about keeping them successfully.

If you’ve ever watched an archer fish hunt — spitting a precise jet of water to knock insects off branches above the surface — it’s genuinely one of the most impressive behaviors in the fish world. I’ve been fascinated by them for years. The most important thing to clarify upfront: archer fish are brackish water fish, not freshwater. That’s the single biggest mistake I see in both care guides and fish store labels. They may tolerate low salinity early on, but they need proper brackish conditions to truly thrive long-term. Here’s everything you need to set them up correctly.

An Overview

What Is It?

Archer fish (t jaculatrix) are little hunters that never run out of mischief when it comes to insects.

They are scientifically known as Toxotes Jaculator and commonly go with the names Spinner fish and Small Scale fish. They are a part of the Toxotidae family from the order Perciformes.

They usually stay calm around other fish. But it doesn’t take them long to show territorial aggression around fish of their own kind.

If you’re a beginner or someone who knows their way around different types of fish, they are a perfect fit for you in either case.

Origin and Habitat

Archer Fish is a famous inhabitant of clean water and marine water of India, Thailand, Polynesia, Australia, and the Philippines. They were first discovered in 1816 by the English botanist and zoologist George Kearsley Shaw.

In the wild, these fish scatter around darker areas covered with thick vegetation that hangs above the surface. This helps them gun down their potential prey through their wonderful skills.

The archerfish species doesn’t restrict their habitats to one place as they tend to hang out toward the open sea. Some of these species thrive in freshwater while others have weak tolerance for it.

Another reason they don’t swim their way to freshwater lands is the difficulty in chasing down insects. Mangrove swamps allow them to operate without compromising on water parameters and creating too much momentum.

Appearance

The Archer Fish looks somewhat subdued when it comes to physical traits. But despite not featuring mesmerizing colors, they are still beautiful and unique in their own way.

They have an elongated body that looks somewhat compressed, giving the fish a thin appearance. The pointed face of the Archer fish adds up to their compressed look even further. This narrow profile helps them shoot down any floating insect almost seamlessly.

Their eyes are more enhanced when compared to most fish species in and beyond the aquarium domain. This binocular vision fits perfectly for the role of giving them access to clearer focus. It also helps them gauge longer distances between them and their prey.

One of the unique traits of Banded Archer fish is the movement of their mouths while hunting. They turn their mouth in a way that helps the tongue go above the surface and gun down insects. While their mouths work, the activity doesn’t disturb the momentum of their body.

Unlike most fish species, they have their dorsal fin and anal fin sitting on the far back of the body with the tail appearing beautifully rounded.

They feature lemon, aquamarine, and slightly brown backs. Their sides take on a subdued gray to a silver color.

Coming to bands, these fish trade different bands based on their species. They feature a silver-colored base with golden hues visible across the body and offer 6 vertical stripes. These bands travel from one side of their body to the other.

The first bar runs across the eye with the last going right before the well-rounded tail. The last stripe goes to the back end of their dorsal and anal fins, giving them their name Archer Fish.

Lifespan

The average life cycle of the Banded Archer fish is around 5 to 10 years in captivity.

If you want to see them living a long life, you have to take care of what goes and stays with them in their tank, what foods they prefer and what parameters are ideal for their healthy survival.

Average Size

The Archer fish can stretch themselves up to 12 inches in the wild. As for captive-bred fish, they find it somewhat demanding to grow as big as the fish living in the wild.

Care

Environmental transitions can stress out any fish. And while you are eager to bring your favorite species to your home aquarium, you can’t overlook factors that contribute to conditioning them for the change. Archer fish care is pretty easy. If you are a beginner at fish keeping, you can still create ideal environment conditions for them to thrive.

Archer fish can put up with freshwater and marine water. It is primarily based on their species. But for most Archer fish, the absence of salt can be a challenging thing.

Another thing that has intrinsic value to their overall wellness is plant life. You have to supplement their tank with thick vegetation that they can use both for high oxygenated water and as an aid for hunting. Apart from this, choosing the right tank mates and a suitable tank also help them stay upbeat.

Aquarium Setup

Archer fish spend most of their time around the surface of the water. This makes their hunting easier and more precise.

Choosing the right type of aquarium is an important factor in their overall stability. You need to get a taller tank for a group of Archer fish. Make sure you give them plenty of space above the surface of the water so they can habitually jump at their prey.

You can go for a paludarium aquarium that looks like an enclosed space. It can help you give them active underwater life. And at the same time, it should give way for plants to grow above the surface.

Don’t forget to secure it with a tank lid. While chasing their prey, they are very likely to jump out of the tank which can result in serious injuries.

Tank Size

Archer fish are large though they don’t move around too often.

But given their size, you should get a minimum of 55 gallons for a single fish. Depending on their number, plants, and tank mates, the size can go up. For example, if you have a group of 5-6 Archer fish, get a 115-gallon tank.

Water Parameters

Banded Archer fish are not freshwater fish species. In fact, while setting up their tank, you have to fill two-thirds of the aquarium with brackish water.

Brackish water basically means a combination of clean water and salt water. Failing to meet these criteria can significantly shorten their lifespan.

Make sure you don’t go beyond the recommended range of these parameters:

• Water temperature: 77 F° to 88 F°
• pH levels: 7.0 to 8.0
• Water hardness: 10 to 30 KH
• Brackish water NaCl: 0.5 to 30 g/l

Pro Tip: To get the ideal high water salinity, add 10-12 teaspoons of salt to every 100 gallons of water.

Filtration and Aeration

To maintain a healthy aquarium environment, you need a strong filtration system for your pet. To filter their aquarium thoroughly, get at least a hang on the back filter. Canister filters or sumps are ideal for aquariums that contain salt water.

Lighting

Since the fish swims on top water levels in their natural habitat, they can adjust themselves to bright lighting.

You can keep the lights dim throughout night hours though. But make sure the aquarium gets moderate exposure to sunlight so the plants can grow.

Aquatic Plants and Decorations

For clean water tanks, you have plenty of options to choose from since the plants can grow and give a well-oxygenated environment to the fish. But in this situation, you have to be careful. Not all plants can resist stronger salt concentrations.

As for caves, you don’t need to create or buy any caves because the fish stay around top water areas. As a good alternative to caves, plants that grow above the water’s surface can work.

Here’s a list of some of the best aquarium plants you can introduce to your aquarium. These plants can easily grow in brackish tanks.

• Anubias
• Java Fern
• Sagittaria
• Sea Grass
• Sogo Pondweed
• Anacharis
• Sea Lettuce
• Vallisneria

Make sure whatever plant you go for, should have overhanging leaves. It will help the fish while hunting down their live food.

Tank Maintenance

Tank maintenance can be slightly tough due to plants and water setup. But if you want your fish to live happily, you should clean the tank every now and again.

Start with cleaning the tank walls. Don’t forget the top section since they inhabit the top levels. Trimming the plants is also good to control their growth. You should also focus on tank corners for dust and debris.

Substrate

A mix of gravel and sand can work perfectly well for Archer fish. They don’t travel to lower levels therefore substrate is not an issue here. You can also add some rocks that are rounded.

Community Tank Mates

Due to the complexity of water conditions, selecting ideal mates is time-consuming and pretty challenging.

You have to find them tank mates that align with their size, nature, and on top, water conditions. Although they are peaceful around other fishes, they act hostile around fish of their own kind. If you have a school of Banded Archer fish, you should get another school of fish from a different kind.

They are designed to target any insect. If not insects, they can eat smaller fish.

You can pair up your fish with these fish:

1. Knight Gobies
2. Puffers
3. Scats
4. Monos
5. Mollies
6. Mudskippers
7. Four eye fish
8. Swordtails
9. Clown Loaches

Clown Loaches can get along with them if you put the loaches on the low-end saltwater side. The others are also good and larger fish to group with them.

Poor Tank Mates

Any smaller fish or fish that is too large will be a bad choice. Also, make sure you don’t add freshwater fish to your list that don’t do well in higher salinity environments.

Breeding Banded Type

When it comes to breeding them in captivity, they are one of the hardest fish you will ever come across. You can’t tell their genders apart because they are not sexually dimorphic. Another reason is weak information on what conditions them to breed in their natural habitat.

These peaceful fish take at least a year to become sexually mature. In their native homes, they are known to breed once the wet season begins. They don’t spawn where they live. Rather, they retreat to saltwater reefs for spawning.

In a single spawning, the female lays up to 20,000 eggs, making it impossible to monitor in home aquariums. The eggs float on the water surface and within 12 hours get hatched.

Newly hatched fry are too small, only a few centimeters long. The fry doesn’t need to be around the father or the mother fish as they can survive on their own.

In their native towns, the fry feed on small insects. The interesting thing about Archerfish’s fry is the juveniles develop shooting abilities way before becoming mature.

Food and Diet

Archer fish are not picky eaters. Sometimes, they just need to practice their natural instincts of attacking to get happy.

As omnivorous and eager opportunists, they rely on their strength of capturing insects, bugs, flies, or whatever crosses their path.

As you already know, they remain near the surface awaiting their prey, so you need to replicate this condition. If any unlucky spider, bug, or insect sits on the leaves within the range of 5 feet, the first instinct of the fish is to shoot a stream of water at them. You can see some footage of their incredible ability from BBC below.

They do it by sucking water and placing their tongue on the top of their mouth. These streams are usually very powerful, making the insects fall directly into the water. In case the first attempt goes to waste, they shoot up to 8 jets in a single gulp of water.

They get a diverse range of diets in the wild. This helps them keep their eating habits intact. From eating smaller fish to insects that fly by, they can eat everything as long as they want.

In your home aquarium, you can get live foods such as bloodworms and earthworms. You can also feed them pellets, dried food, and frozen food. Since they stay on top, you have to get them food that doesn’t sink to the bottom until they are fully trained.

Teaching them to get sinking food is easy. All you have to do is use the tiny bits of moistened prawn. Stick these bits to the top of the aquarium. Another way to train them is to take a rod comprised of insects or bugs and place it just above the water level.

The initial practice would be like this. But with time, you would need to raise the pieces higher until they reach the surface. You will initially see them using their natural attaching methods. But with time, they will learn how to eat without doing any jumps. It will be challenging for them to do something like this though not impossible.

Apart from other live foods, you can feed them:

1. Crickets
2. Mosquitoes
3. Spiders
4. Crustaceans
5. Cockroaches

Common Health Problems

They are susceptible to some common fish diseases. Luckily, if you give them their preferred environment, warding off these ailments becomes pretty easy for them.

Ich

Ich is a common fish disease caused by parasites.

Some common symptoms are:

• Salt-like grains on gills and body
• Constant scraping of the body against sharp objects
• Abnormal hiding behavior

Fin Rot

Fin rot is another common disease that occurs usually due to bacterial infection.

Some common symptoms are:

• White outline around fin edges
• Ragged fins
• Entire fin rotting

FAQs

Where To Buy

Banded Archer fish are usually found in specialty fish stores. You usually will not find them at chain pet stores. If you cannot find a reputable local fish store around you, I would recommend you purchase from an online vendor that has a guarantee on their livestock.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re looking for an interesting, beautiful fish to add to your community tank, the Archer Fish should be at the top of your list. These larger fish have great personalities and are sure to bring a little bit of excitement to any aquarium. Keep in mind that they can be difficult to breed, so if you’re up for the challenge be prepared for some trial and error. Have you kept a Banded Archer Fish before? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!

📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide — your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

Threadfin rainbowfish are one of the most stunning micro fish in the hobby, and they’re criminally underused in nano tanks. I love recommending them to planted tank keepers because those long, flowing fin extensions on the males look incredible against dense green backgrounds — but they’re also genuinely fragile fish that need calm water, gentle tankmates, and stable parameters to thrive. Get those conditions right and they’re a showstopper.

The threadfin rainbowfish (Iriatherina werneri) is one of the most delicate and visually striking micro fish you can keep — those long, flowing fin extensions on the males are genuinely remarkable. They’re a true nano fish, maxing out around an inch and a half, and they need appropriately sized tank mates and calm water. I’d pair them with other micro species like chili rasboras or celestial pearl danios. The key care note most people miss: they’re not strong swimmers and do poorly with surface agitation or any significant current. Here’s the full care guide.

An Overview

What Are They?

Threadfin rainbowfish are a special type of rainbowfish in the Melanotaeniidae family. They are scientifically known as Iriatherina werneri and are the only species within the genus Iriatherina due to slight differences in fin, ray, and teeth morphology.

As we’ll see, these freshwater rainbowfish come from very exact locations across a few counties. Depending on the environmental conditions in those ecosystems and the area of collection, threadfin rainbowfish appearance will differ between individuals. It is believed that some differences may be so great that there may be distinct species in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New Guinea.

Origin and Habitat

Threadfin rainbowfish are not a widespread species, though they have been known to travel distances of over 300 miles. These fish are known to occur in the following locations:

• between the Maro/Merauke River and the Fly River on New Guinea’s southern coast
• Bosset Lagoon, Papua New Guinea
• Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia
• Arafura swamp, Northern Territory, Australia

Threadfin rainbows are commonly found in freshwater swamps and wetlands with abundant plant life and algae growth. They are especially found on the shallow margins of these ecosystems hidden away deep in vegetation.

Interestingly, juvenile males and females make their homes in these shallows while mature males claim territories in more open water. When ready, males will approach the shore and pick a female of their liking. They will then spawn in the nearby vegetation.

Appearance

Threadfin rainbowfish don’t quite look like most rainbowfish or any other species of freshwater fish for that matter. In fact, these fish don’t even look like each other!

Threadfin rainbowfish have very specific appearances based on their area of collection. Water chemistry, like acidity, hardness, and turbidity, can all affect how colors display on any individual fish.

In general, these fish have very streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies. They get their threadfin or featherfin common name from their very thin and elongated second dorsal fins as well as their ornate pelvic and anal fins. These fins have an extremely delicate appearance, looking like streamers that follow the flow of the fish. These fins are longer and more colorful in male threadfin rainbows, but females can have impressive ones too.

Color can vary significantly from fish to fish. Most times, the body is green or silver with yellow undertones; darker lateral stripes may sometimes be present. An even greater variation comes in their elongated fins, especially in the males. These are known to come in blues, pinks, yellows, oranges, reds, and natural tones.

Care

Threadfin rainbows are good fish for intermediate to advanced fish keepers. These fish act like normal freshwater schooling fish, but have some specific spacial and dietary needs. It should also be noted that some hobbyists only like keeping threadfin rainbows in a species-only aquarium setup.

Here’s how to make sure your threadfin rainbowfish stay happy and healthy!

Aquarium Setup

Threadfin rainbowfish enjoy aquarium setups that replicate the conditions of their natural habitat. This means slow-flowing waters, dense vegetation, a school for protection, and plenty of available food.

The ideal threadfin rainbowfish aquarium would be a long, heavily planted aquarium, including floating plants to help provide additional shelter and to diffuse high lighting. A dark gravel or sand substrate may be used to encourage fish to show brighter colors. Filtration should be efficient while water flow should be minimal. These are relatively delicate fish that won’t be able to swim against an overly harsh current.

Threadfin rainbowfish are not the hardiest species of rainbowfish or freshwater fish in general. They need a mature tank with lots of available algae and micro foods that they can pick at with their tiny mouths. They are also susceptible to incorrect and poor water quality, making regular tank maintenance and husbandry an absolute must.

Last but not least, it is imperative to keep these fish in a covered aquarium. Threadfin rainbows can easily jump several inches out of the water and you don’t want to come home to find your fish dead on the floor. Remember, jumping out of the water can also be a sign of stress or poor water quality.

Tank Size

There is some discussion as to which tank size is best for threadfin rainbows. These are small schooling fish that like to stay around the middle and top sections of the aquarium. Most other freshwater fish only need a 10 gallon to thrive, but the threadfin rainbow is a little different.

The minimum tank size recommended for a school of threadfin rainbows is a 20 gallon long aquarium. Anything smaller or shorter than this will limit your fish’s activity level, subsequently affecting other aspects of their health.

Though these fish are small, you shouldn’t be fooled into thinking they’re another nano fish. Instead, threadfin rainbows need room to swim.

Filtration and Aeration

Threadfin rainbowfish need good filtration. They can be sensitive to imperfect and wavering water parameters, so they do best in a mature setup with regular aquarium maintenance. The trick to keeping these fish happy and healthy is by having good filtration but a slow water flow.

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Because of this, it’s recommended to use a hang-on-the-back filter or sponge filter that only agitates the surface of the water. A canister filter may have an overpowering return rate, though this can be lessened through valves or another DIY solution.

Additional aeration is usually not necessary as these fish are often kept with live plants that keep the aquarium water oxygenated. If keeping a large amount of fish, then it’s recommended to add an air stone.

Lighting

Threadfin rainbowfish can be kept under most lights and lighting intensities. Hobbyists have found that they prefer slightly dimmed conditions, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that the light fixture needs to be compromised.

Instead, there are ways to dim the lighting in the aquarium by using botanical tannins or keeping floating plants. Tannins allow light to penetrate the water column while also providing an immunity boost to fish. Floating plants, like floating lily pads, could cast too much shadow on the plants below, so overgrowth will need to be maintained.

Aquatic Plants and Decorations

Threadfin rainbows love a planted aquarium! They are generally bold, active fish that will feel even more encouraged to swim in the front of the aquarium if they know plenty of shelter is around.

Remember, these fish live in dense vegetation in their natural habitat and it’s best to replicate those conditions as best as possible. These plants do not need to be challenging species as threadfins will appreciate density over selection.

One of the benefits of keeping threadfin rainbows is that they’ve been known to eat some pest algae. That being said, they should never be used as a solution to algae problems.

Tank Maintenance

As mentioned before, threadfin rainbows are relatively sensitive to imperfect water conditions. If you are a new hobbyist, then other rainbowfish, like the larger Boesemani rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani), might be more suitable.

To keep your threadfin rainbow happy and healthy, it’s recommended to do 25% water changes every week or every other week depending on the bioload; the aquarium filter media should also be cleaned at least once a month.

The required maintenance for a threadfin rainbowfish aquarium will vary greatly depending on the tank size and number of plants. More plants mean that more nutrients are naturally used and exported. In some cases, additional fertilizers might be necessary to keep up with nutrient demand.

Substrate

These freshwater fish can be kept on either a sand or gravel substrate, though sand is preferred in most cases. This is because their long fins can get caught in gravel, which could lead to infection. However, a fully healthy fish should be able to avoid this from happening.

A key decision to make when choosing a substrate for threadfin rainbows is color. A darker substrate can encourage these fish to show their best bright colors.

Community Tank Mates

On paper, threadfin rainbowfish are the perfect schooling species for a planted community tank. On the contrary, most hobbyists like to keep these fish in a species-only setup. Why?

The main difficulty of keeping threadfin rainbowfish is accommodating for their small mouth. Inexperienced hobbyists may not know how to keep these fish fed apart from the other species in the tank. By using some feeding techniques and picking the right tank mates, threadfin rainbowfish can easily be kept in a community setup.

Here are some of the best community tank mates for threadfin rainbowfish:

• Corydoras
• Small tetras
• Small rasboras
• Otocinclus
• Other small rainbowfish

Compatible rainbowfish species include the forktail blue-eye rainbowfish (Pseudomugil furcatus) and the dwarf neon rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox).

It is also important to consider that threadfin rainbowfish are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 or more. One male should be kept for about every 3 to 4 females; males can be very incessant about spawning and multiple females will help distribute harassment. In smaller aquariums, it can be difficult to keep multiple males as they will frequently spar with each other to assert dominance.

Poor Tank mates

Poor threadfin rainbowfish tankmates are ones that are either less active or more active. A little confusing, right?

The problem is that threadfin rainbows are peaceful fish that get along with many fish, but they’re very active and can stress out more docile species. On the other hand, overly active fish can also stress out these rainbows and outcompete them when the time comes to eat.

Fin nippers like Tiger Barbs should also be avoided due to their extended fins.

Food and Diet

So how do you feed these fish with incredibly tiny mouths? By feeding the right kinds of foods with the right techniques.

These fish should be given a variety of live, freeze-dried, and frozen foods. They are active fish with a high metabolism and should be fed at least two times a day. They will enjoy brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae, though these foods can become expensive over time. High-quality crushed flake foods or pellet foods should be the staple of the diet.

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To ensure that your fish are getting enough food, it’s important to create a routine. This includes feeding your fish at the same times and in the same areas of the tank every day.

A common way to feed sensitive fish is by feeding them their preferred foods away from the rest of the fish in the aquarium; feed rainbowfish on one side of the aquarium and all the other fish on the other side.

If you find that your fish are being outcompeted for food, then you may need to remove the more aggressive species.

Breeding

Breeding threadfin rainbowfish is pretty easy. If a male and female are present in the aquarium, then it’s likely they’ll breed on their own, especially if a spawning medium, like Java moss (Vesicularia dubyana), is available in the aquarium.

For more controlled breeding, a male fish and 3 to 4 female fish should be moved to a breeding tank. When ready, the male will display intense colors and move his fins to entice the females. When she is ready, she will lay an egg near a densely planted area or where a spawning mop is provided.

Once the eggs have been distributed and fertilized, the adults should be removed from the tank as the adults are egg scatterers and will eat their own eggs and fry. The eggs will hatch in a few days. The fry are very small and delicate and need to be given the smallest microfauna until ready to accept other prepared foods or smaller live foods like baby brine shrimp.

Where To Buy

You can buy Threadfin Rainbowfish at local specialty fish stores. General pet stores will generally not carry this fish. If you cannot find a reputable local fish store, consider purchasing the fish from an online dealer. I highly recommend purchasing from Flip Aquatics. You can use my promo code ASDFLIPPROMO for an additional discount at checkout.

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FAQS

Final Thoughts

Threadfin rainbowfish have been in the aquarium hobby for a long time and are often overlooked. They are small fish with small mouths that need some consideration when it comes to feeding and nutrition. However, they readily breed and thrive in a well-planted aquarium. Subscribe to our YouTube channel if you want to see new video content or enter a comment in below and start a conversation.

Pictus catfish are one of the most visually striking catfish in the freshwater hobby, and I get why people are drawn to them — that spotted pattern and those ridiculously long barbels are genuinely impressive. But I want to be honest with you upfront: these are fast-moving, active predators that are a lot more demanding than they look. They’re not safe with small fish, they need a group, and they need space. If you go in understanding that, they’re fantastic fish. Here’s what I’ve learned keeping them.

The pictus catfish is one of those fish that immediately catches your eye — that bold black-and-white spotted pattern and those dramatically long barbels make them look exotic even though they’re widely available. They’re fast, active, and naturally nocturnal, so you’ll often see them darting near the bottom even during daylight. The important caveat most beginners miss: pictus cats are predatory and will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth. Stick with similarly sized tank mates. Here’s the full care guide.

A Quick Overview

What Are They?

Pictus catfish, scientifically known as Pimelodus pictus, are one of the most popular freshwater catfish species available. These catfish stay a manageable size, have beautiful colorations, and remain relatively peaceful as long as other fish in the aquarium are bigger in size or more active. Not only that but pictus catfish can readily be found at most commercial pet and fish stores for an affordable price.

Overall, the pictus catfish is an easy fish to keep in theory. That being said, not all hobby fish keepers can successfully keep them in their aquariums. Here’s why.

Origin And Habitat

Pictus catfish are a South American species of catfish, originating from the Amazon and Orinoco river basins across Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil. There, they can be found in shallow and flowing rivers and tributaries. They prefer to stick to sandy and muddy bottoms where they can safely search for food.

As a species from the Amazon, the pictus catfish lives alongside many other popular freshwater aquarium fish. This can make these fish a perfect addition to a blackwater or murky biotope setup.

Appearance

The pictus catfish is arguably one of the most attractive catfish–and one of the more overall beautiful freshwater fish available–that you can get for the bottom of the tank. These fish are iridescent silver with black spots covering their body from head to tail, crossing onto their fins. They have some of the longest barbels of all aquarium catfish. The exact appearance of the fish will vary depending on the area of geographic collection.

There is some discussion as to how big pictus catfish can grow to be at mature sizes. Catfish are some of the largest freshwater fish on the planet, and most species that are kept in the aquarium need big setups. However, the pictus cat stays the perfect size, growing to be about 3 to 5 inches at mature size. Though 5 inches is described to be the average, most pictus catfish size will stay well under this upper limit.

Keep in mind that their barbels will fill up an additional couple of inches, which can definitely make this fish seem bigger than it is when it zooms back and forth across the bottom of the tank. You can see a full-grown pictus in the video below from Imperial Tropicals.

There is no observable difference between male and female pictus catfish. It is believed that females have a stockier build than males, though this is extremely difficult to see.

How Long Does It Them To Grow To Full Size?

The problem with freshwater catfish is that they’re often sold at juvenile sizes, making a monster fish seem like a reasonable decision for a nano aquarium. In little to no time, the fish outgrows the tank and is left without a home.

Luckily, this isn’t a problem for pictus catfish.

Pictus catfish stay the perfect size for a home aquarium. Though they aren’t necessarily nano-sized fish, they can be kept in reasonably-sized aquariums. That being said, the pictus cat only grow for about the first year of their life. On average, these fish will reach their mature size in about 8 to 12 months.

Remember, the absolute maximum size for pictus catfish is only about 5 inches in length, which is very reasonable for most aquarium hobbyists.

Care Guide

Like most catfish, pictus catfish are easy to care for once all aquarium requirements have been met. These fish are relatively hardy, accepting of most tank mates, and more than willing to eat any food you give them. However, there are a few considerations in regard to acclimation, aquarium setup, and stocking.

Aquarium Setup

Pictus catfish are a nocturnal fish species from the murky waters of the Amazon River throughout parts of South America. In their natural habitat, they are found on sandy and muddy bottoms which allows them to search for food without any injury. These areas usually have little to no plant life due to the turbidity of the water.

In the aquarium, these conditions should be recreated as best as possible with dimmed lighting and tannins. The substrate should be sand or silt; some hobbyists successfully use mud though this choice can be very messy.

Driftwood and rocks should be placed throughout the aquarium for shelter, though pictus cats are very active swimmers and will rarely be seen sitting in one place for long. Otherwise, these fish should be given plenty of room to swim around.

On the other hand, many hobbyists have also successfully kept these fish in a regular planted aquarium. This is usually not recommended as pictus catfish can easily uproot and displace plants that get in their way as they try to swim.

Tank Size

All in all, pictus catfish are small fish. They do not grow to be monster fish like many of their relatives. Instead, tank size is more dependent on their activity level and schooling behavior.

The minimum tank size recommended for a school of pictus catfish is 75 gallons. Some sites recommend a 50 gallon or 55 gallon tank for a singular cat, but we do not recommend this as they will only thrive when kept in a social setting that requires more room.

Many hobbyists buy larger fish with the intention of upgrading their tanks in the following months. We never recommend purchasing a fish that can’t be kept indefinitely in the current tank setup. Too many times the upgrade never happens and fish are left in an aquarium that is too small for them.

Water Parameters

Pictus catfish are pretty forgiving of less-than-ideal water parameters, but they should never be exposed to poor water quality for extended periods of time. The problem with keeping catfish is that they are very messy fish. Pictus catfish won’t hesitate to try to eat anything they come across and they surely won’t be neat about it.

Ammonia and nitrite should always remain at 0 ppm. Though pictus catfish are hardy fish, they can’t tolerate traces of ammonia or nitrite. Nitrate should also remain at moderate levels, preferably under 20 ppm if not being kept in a planted aquarium.

The Amazon River is known for having soft and acidic water, but pictus cats prefer neutral water conditions with pH between 6.5 – 7.5 and a water hardness between 5 – 15 dKH. They are a tropical species and require a constant water temperature between 75 – 82° F.

Filtration and Aeration

Freshwater catfish require heavy filtration. They are messy eaters and create a lot of waste in return.

In general, an aquarium filter should be rated for 2x the size of the aquarium. For catfish, it’s recommended to pick a filter that is rated for at least 3-4x the size of the aquarium. Because of this, many hobbyists choose to use a canister filter instead of a hang-on-the-back filter due to size and space.

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Additional aeration is not required as long as there is adequate water flow in the aquarium. Pictus catfish are strong swimmers that can and will happily swim against a strong current. While good water flow will help remove wastes it can also disturb a sand substrate. In these cases, an air stone may be added to the bottom of the aquarium to help improve water circulation without causing too much disruption.

Lighting

As mentioned before, pictus catfish are a nocturnal species and definitely appreciate their darkness. These fish need dimmed lighting either due to light settings or with botanical tannins.

Dimmed lighting will encourage your fish to come out during the day. If the lighting is too strong, they may seek refuge under the shade of wood and rocks, making them difficult to see.

Aquatic Plants And Decorations

Pictus catfish can be kept in a planted aquarium, though your options will be limited. These fish need a lot of space to swim and won’t hesitate to uproot any plants that get in their way.

Plant species are limited due to the dimmed lighting. It is best to go with low-light species that can also tolerate being bumped into every now and then. Some of the best plants will be Anubias and Java fern (Microsorum pteropus).

Otherwise, driftwood, branches, and rocks may be used to help make your pictus catfish feel at home. Make sure that these structures are secured as these fish will sometimes try to burrow underneath them.

Acclimation

Once in the aquarium, keeping pictus cats is easy and they will thrive. However, they’re a little more challenging to introduce and acclimate to the aquarium than other freshwater fish.

One important thing to consider is that these fish have serrated fins with sharp spines that can easily get caught on netting. Because of this, it’s strongly recommended to use a bowl or other container to transfer the fish between the fish store bag and the aquarium.

Another thing to consider is that these scaleless fish don’t adapt to new water parameters very easily. Some hobbyists have struggled to make the transition from aquarium store water to their home aquarium due to differing parameters. To help avoid this, make sure to give plenty of time for acclimation, preferably in a quarantine tank.

It’s best to perform a 1 to 2 hour long drip acclimation process after water temperature acclimation, all while closely monitoring behavior during the process. Keep in mind that if you purchase a fish from an online retailer, that drip acclimation cannot be down as the ammonia in the bag will be released as soon as you expose it to air.

Community Tank Mates

Pictus catfish are generally peaceful fish that leave other fish species unharmed. However, they have poor eyesight and their curious attitudes may lead them to unintentionally eat a fellow tank mate or two. To help prevent this from happening, choose larger or more active fish that can’t easily fit into the mouth of your catfish.

Some of the best pictus cat community tank mates include:

• Large tetras
• Plecos
• Tiger barbs
• Gouramis
• Large livebearers (mollies, platies, swordtails)
• Rainbowfish

They should not be kept with smaller or less active fish like:

• Small tetras
• Rasboras
• Angelfish
• South American cichlids

Some hobbyists like to keep other bottom-dwellers alongside pictus catfish, but we do not recommend this pairing. Pictus catfish are extremely active and can quickly stress out other bottom tank mates. It is best to only fill the bottom of the tank with other pictus.

Do They Need To Be In Groups?

Yes, pictus catfish do best when kept in groups. These are highly sociable fish and will be much more willing to be in the front of the tank when kept in groups of at least 4 or more.

Pictus catfish have been kept on their own before, but they become very shy and reclusive.

Food and Diet

Pictus catfish will eat anything and everything they can fit in their mouths (and maybe a thing or two that’s bigger). They are highly active fish, so they need a high-quality diet that keeps up with their fast metabolism.

The ideal pictus cat diet will be full of both meat- and plant-based foods. A variety of live, freeze-dried, and frozen foods may be given every other day, like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and insect larvae. Larger pieces of mollusk and fish may also be given from time to time.

It’s important to remember that these feedings can become very messy over time and should be given in moderation. Any leftover food should be removed immediately to help maintain water parameters.

The staple of the diet should be a sinking pellet. This will help your fish find the food without letting other fish get to it first. An algae wafer and blanched vegetables may also be given from time to time.

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Breeding

As of yet, breeding pictus catfish has not been achieved in the aquarium hobby. These fish are near impossible to sex and breeding them can only be done in a large setting with pristine conditions.

They are a known egg layer. If by rare chance you do find pictus catfish eggs in your aquarium, immediately remove them or the adult fish and maintain water quality.

Final Thoughts

Pictus catfish are one of the most desirable species of catfish. They have beautiful colorations, stay relatively small, and can be kept in a semi-community tank. These community fish are highly active and hungry fish that are fun to watch and feed. They are nocturnal so they won’t be as visible during the day, but keeping pictus catfish in small schools will help promote visibility.

📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide — your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.