African Arowana
Heterotis niloticus

The African Arowana is one of the most unusual and captivating freshwater fish available in the hobby. Despite sharing a name with the more familiar Asian and South American arowanas, this species is not a true arowana. It belongs to a separate family and has its own unique traits that make it stand out.

Native to slow moving rivers, floodplains, and shallow wetlands throughout West and Central Africa, the African Arowana spends much of its time gliding through murky waters in search of tiny food particles. Instead of hunting larger prey, it uses a specialized filter feeding method, scooping up plankton, small organisms, and plant matter. This behavior gives it a calm, steady swimming style that is fascinating to watch.

In the aquarium, the African Arowana thrives in a spacious setup with open areas to swim. Clean water, strong filtration, and stable conditions are essential. A soft sandy substrate along with driftwood and gentle lighting helps recreate its natural habitat. This species prefers a peaceful environment and does best when not housed with aggressive or overly boisterous tankmates.

Unlike most large fish, the African Arowana is surprisingly mild mannered. It is not a surface hunter and is generally tolerant of other fish that are too large to be swallowed. This temperament makes it more compatible in community tanks than typical arowanas, provided there is enough space.

Feeding this species requires a different approach. African Arowanas do well with soft sinking pellets, gel foods, and small meaty items such as bloodworms or brine shrimp. A varied diet helps support their growth and overall health.

For aquarists looking for a rare, graceful, and truly distinctive species, the African Arowana is an excellent choice. Its unique feeding style, peaceful nature, and elegant movements make it a standout fish that adds a special presence to any large aquarium.