Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) for Sale in Canada

The Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable freshwater monster fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for its long, streamlined body, large metallic silver scales, upward-facing mouth, and graceful surface swimming, the Silver Arowana is a spectacular centerpiece fish for experienced aquarists with the space and commitment to care for a very large species.

Native to South America, the Silver Arowana is sometimes called a Water Monkey because of its remarkable ability to leap from the water to capture prey. In the aquarium, this natural behaviour makes a secure, tightly fitted lid absolutely essential. Arowanas are powerful jumpers and can be seriously injured if they escape from an aquarium.

Young Silver Arowanas are often purchased at a relatively manageable size, but they grow quickly and can eventually become enormous. This species is best suited to experienced monster fish keepers who have a realistic long-term plan for a large custom aquarium or indoor pond.

Monster Aquarium Canada offers Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) for experienced aquarium hobbyists across Canada.

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Why Choose a Silver Arowana?

An Iconic South American Monster Fish

The Silver Arowana is admired for its:

Unique Features

Premium Characteristics

• Spectacular metallic silver scales
• Long, elegant body
• Graceful surface-swimming behaviour
• Large upward-facing mouth
• Distinctive chin barbels
• Powerful jumping ability
• Fast growth potential
• Impressive adult size
• Exceptional centerpiece monster fish

A healthy Silver Arowana gliding beneath the surface creates one of the most dramatic displays possible in a large freshwater aquarium.

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How Large Does a Silver Arowana Get?

Silver Arowanas can grow extremely large.

Adults can potentially reach approximately 36 inches (90 cm) or more, with some individuals becoming even larger under exceptional conditions.

Important Long-Term Commitment

Do not choose an aquarium based only on the current size of a juvenile Silver Arowana.

Before purchasing, plan for:

• An extremely large permanent aquarium
• Significant swimming length
• Substantial aquarium width
• Powerful filtration
• Large regular water changes
• A completely secure lid
• Long-term feeding costs
• Safe equipment and maintenance access

A Silver Arowana can quickly outgrow an ordinary aquarium.

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Aquarium Size and Long-Term Housing

A Silver Arowana requires a very large aquarium with exceptional length and width.

For long-term care, experienced keepers should plan for a custom aquarium or similarly large system. A tank of 300 gallons or larger may be considered a minimum starting point for an adult, while significantly larger systems are strongly preferred.

Prioritize Floor Space and Surface Area

Because Silver Arowanas are surface-oriented fish, the aquarium should provide:

• Long uninterrupted swimming lanes
• Generous width for turning
• Large surface area
• Minimal obstacles near the surface

A tall but narrow aquarium is not an ideal substitute for a long and wide system.

Essential Equipment

• Powerful biological filtration
• Heavy-duty mechanical filtration
• Excellent oxygenation
• Reliable heaters
• Large-capacity water-change system
• Heavy, completely secure lid
• Protected equipment
• Stable water conditions

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Water Parameters

• Scientific Name: Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
• Common Name: Silver Arowana
• Origin: South America
• Potential Adult Size: Approximately 36 inches (90 cm)+
• Temperature: 24–30°C (75–86°F)
• pH: Approximately 5.5–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately soft
• Care Level: Advanced
• Temperament: Predatory
• Diet: Carnivorous
• Swimming Level: Surface
• Lifespan: Approximately 10–20 years with proper care

Maintain stable, clean water and avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.

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Feeding Your Silver Arowana

Silver Arowanas are opportunistic carnivores and require a varied, high-quality diet.

Suitable Foods

• High-quality floating Arowana pellets
• Appropriately sized shrimp
• Prawns
• Krill
• Mussels
• Other suitable aquatic foods
• Quality prepared predator foods

The exact food size should always match the size of the fish.

Important Feeding Advice

Avoid making live feeder fish a routine part of the diet. Feeder fish may introduce parasites and disease and can provide inconsistent nutrition.

Also avoid relying on mammal or poultry meats as staple foods. A balanced diet based on appropriate aquatic and formulated foods is preferable.

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Behaviour and Temperament

A Powerful Surface Predator

Silver Arowanas are predatory fish. Any tank mate small enough to fit into the Arowana’s mouth may eventually be eaten.

As the fish grows, suitable tank mates become increasingly limited.

Tank Mate Considerations

In an appropriately enormous aquarium, experienced keepers may keep Silver Arowanas with carefully selected large fish that are too large to swallow.

Potential tank mates must have:

• Compatible water requirements
• Similar size
• Appropriate temperament
• Enough space to avoid constant competition

Avoid:

• Small fish
• Prey-sized fish
• Slow-moving surface fish
• Delicate species
• Fish that may aggressively attack the Arowana

Compatibility can never be guaranteed.

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The Importance of a Secure Lid

Silver Arowanas Are Exceptional Jumpers

One of the most important requirements for keeping this species is a completely secure aquarium lid.

In nature, Silver Arowanas can leap from the water to capture prey above the surface. This instinct remains strong in captivity.

Safety Tips

• Use a heavy-duty lid
• Cover all openings
• Secure filter and hose gaps
• Keep water level appropriately below the lid
• Avoid sudden movements that may startle the fish
• Ensure the lid cannot be pushed open

Never underestimate the jumping strength of a large Arowana.

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Supporting Healthy Silver Colour and Body Condition

A Silver Arowana’s appearance depends on genetics, nutrition, water quality, lighting, and overall health.

Care Tips

• Maintain excellent water quality
• Provide substantial swimming space
• Feed a varied, high-quality diet
• Avoid overfeeding
• Maintain stable water parameters
• Minimize unnecessary stress
• Perform regular large water changes
• Use a secure aquarium lid

Healthy Silver Arowanas should display alert behaviour, clear eyes, intact fins, and a strong feeding response.

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Why Buy Silver Arowana from Monster Aquarium Canada?

Iconic Monster Fish for Experienced Aquarists

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in unique freshwater fish for serious hobbyists building exceptional monster fish collections.

Carefully Selected Aquarium Fish

Fish are selected for qualities such as:

• Healthy body condition
• Active swimming
• Alert behaviour
• Strong feeding response
• Attractive natural coloration

Canadian Monster Fish Supplier

Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in monster fish, rare tropical fish, freshwater fish, aquarium plants, shrimp, crayfish, snails, fish foods, medications, and aquarium supplies for Canadian hobbyists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How large does a Silver Arowana grow?

Silver Arowanas can potentially reach approximately 36 inches (90 cm) or more and require extremely large long-term housing.

2. Is a Silver Arowana suitable for beginners?

No. Its large adult size, rapid growth, predatory nature, powerful jumping behaviour, and demanding housing requirements make it best suited to experienced aquarists.

3. What does a Silver Arowana eat?

They can eat high-quality floating Arowana pellets, shrimp, prawns, krill, mussels, and other appropriately sized aquatic foods.

4. Can Silver Arowanas jump out of the aquarium?

Yes. Silver Arowanas are extremely powerful jumpers. A completely secure, heavy-duty lid is essential.

5. Can a Silver Arowana live with other fish?

It may coexist with carefully selected large fish in an extremely spacious aquarium. Any fish small enough to fit inside its mouth may become prey.