Arowana Care Temperature Guide: Temperature Control Tips for Different Growth Stages

The Arowana is a tropical fish that thrives in water temperatures between 24°C and 33°C. However, to successfully care for an Arowana, it is best to adjust the water temperature according to the fish’s growth stage and size. Only by doing so can you nurture an Arowana that is both beautiful in shape and vibrant in color.

Juvenile Stage (20-35 cm)

1. Recommended Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 29°C and 30°C.
2. Growth Characteristics: This stage is when the Arowana grows the fastest, with a higher metabolism and good health, making it less susceptible to illness.

Intermediate Stage (30-50 cm)

1. Recommended Temperature: Maintain the temperature between 28°C and 29°C.
2. Importance of Shaping: This is the crucial period for shaping the Arowana. A healthy Arowana will be less likely to show signs of aggression or eye dropping.
3. On Low-Temperature Coloring:

Low-temperature coloring merely accelerates the display of colors, it does not create colors that were not originally part of the Arowana’s genetic makeup. It is similar to the difference between a 3.0T engine and a 1.6 naturally aspirated engine. A 3.0T engine gives you a strong push-back feel even with casual driving, whereas a 1.6 naturally aspirated engine will also provide some push-back when you floor the accelerator. However, you cannot continuously operate a car with full throttle unless you are unconcerned about the car’s longevity.

Large Fish Stage (50-60 cm)

1. Recommended Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 27°C and 28°C.
2. Growth Characteristics: At this stage, the Arowana’s growth slows significantly, with a reduced metabolism rate. However, its coloration improves in both area and thickness.

Giant Fish Stage (Above 60 cm)

1. Recommended Temperature: Attempt to maintain the water temperature between 26°C and 27°C.
2. Color Enhancement: You can try using side lighting to encourage the color transition from yellow to orange, and then from orange to red, which will enhance color quality and solidify the color patches’area and thickness.

Importance of Temperature Stability

Lastly, it is crucial to maintain stable temperatures. The biggest mistake is fluctuating the temperature from 30°C one day to 28°C the next, and continually adjusting it. If you have a heater stick that allows for 0.5°C adjustments, this will make your temperature control much more efficient.