Breeds in the wet season in swamps and floodplains, building a circular nest about 1 m across and 20-60 cm deep with a wall of plant material rising above the water and a clean mud or clay floor. Not bred in aquaria; farmed in Africa for food.
Group and wait.
A massive pond with plant material.
Rainy-season rise in water level.
Amber eggs are laid on the inner walls of the plant nest and guarded; about 5 days later the young leave through a hole in the nest wall and are guarded by the male.
Fry feed on plankton.
One breeding tank for the african arowana, drawn to scale from the breeding guide.
Water: 24–30 °C · pH 6.7–7.5
A plan from the breeding guide and an adult size of 100 cm. Tank shape is a standard 2 : 1 : 1.2 box, at least 6 adult lengths long. Check each step in the guide above.
A rack of breeding and grow-out tanks.
The breeding guide gives no tank size for the african arowana yet, so a business layout can't be drawn.
Sexes are hard to tell apart; breeding fish of both sexes turn darker.
Typical for bubble-nest builders
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
The male wraps the female and places eggs in the nest. Remove the female after spawning.
Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours. The male catches falling fry and returns them to the nest.
Remove the male. Feed infusoria and keep the air above the water warm and humid.
Move on to baby brine shrimp and microworms. Change small amounts of water daily.
Males start fighting at about 8 weeks and need their own jars.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.