Raising Arowana Fry: A Beginner’s Guide
Learn how to raise Arowana fry with step-by-step care tips on temperature, feeding, water quality, and safe separation. Perfect for beginners and breeders.
Table of Contents
- Start Right: Keep the Water Warm & Stable
- Separate the Fry from Adult Fish
- Feeding Time: What, When & How Much
- Clean Water = Healthy Growth
- Quick Tips for Success
- Easy Fry Care Checklist
- Faq
- Conclusion
Raising baby Arowana (or "fry") is a really special experience—but it's also a delicate one. These fish are beautiful, rare, and full of personality, but they need a lot of care in their early days. If you're new to it or just want a clear, no-nonsense guide, you're in the right place.
Let’s walk through everything step by step-from the moment those little eggs hatch to when your fry become strong, healthy young fish.
Start Right: Keep the Water Warm & Stable
Right after hatching, Arowana fry are super fragile. Think of them like newborn babies they need comfort, warmth, and consistency.
• Temperature matters: Keep the water between 28-30°C (82-86°F). This helps them grow well and stay active.
• Clean water is key: Use dechlorinated tap water or RO (reverse osmosis) water. Tap water straight from the faucet usually has chemicals that can hurt fry.
• No sudden changes: Avoid quick shifts in temperature or pH. Even a small change can stress them out or cause health issues.
Use a good-quality aquarium heater and check the temperature regularly. Stable water = happy fry.
Separate the Fry from Adult Fish
Here’s something many people don’t know: after the eggs hatch, adult Arowanas might eat their babies-even if they’re the parents!
Why? Well, in the wild they usually protect the fry, but in a tank, stress and confusion can lead them to act differently.
• Once the fry are free-swimming, gently move them to their own tank (called a nursery tank).
• Be gentle when handling them-use a soft net or a small cup. You don’t want to hurt them.
Make sure the water in the new tank is the same temperature and pH as the original tank to avoid shocking the fry.
Feeding Time: What, When & How Much
When it comes to food, less is more—but it needs to be the right food.
• Start with really small food like infusoria (tiny organisms) or freshly hatched baby brine shrimp.
• Feed 3-4 times a day, but only a little each time. Fry have small stomachs and can’t handle big meals.
• Clean up uneaten food quickly. Anything left behind will rot and mess up your water quality.
Tip: After feeding, use a small tube or siphon to remove leftover bits from the bottom of the tank.
Clean Water = Healthy Growth
Want your Arowana fry to grow fast and avoid diseases? Keep the water super clean.
• Change 10-20% of the water every day. Yes-every day. It helps remove waste and keeps the tank healthy.
• Use a sponge filter if possible. It provides gentle filtration without sucking up the tiny fry.
• Test your water a couple of times a week to make sure ammonia and nitrites stay at zero.
Dirty water is the reason fry don’t survive. Clean water makes all the difference.
Quick Tips for Success
Here are some simple things you can do to give your fry the best chance of growing up strong:
• Keep a lid on the tank - Even small Arowanas can jump!
• Use soft lighting - Around 8–10 hours of light a day is enough. Don’t stress them with bright, constant light.
• Watch closely - Pay attention to how they swim, eat, and grow. If something feels “off,” check your water and feeding routine.
Easy Fry Care Checklist
| Task | How Often |
| Check water temperatur | Every Day |
| Feed small meals | 3-4 times/day |
| Change 10–20% water | Daily |
| Clean leftovers | After every meal |
| Test water (ammonia/nitrite) | 2-3 times/week |
Faq
1. What is the ideal temperature for Arowana fry?
28–30°C (82–86°F) is best for healthy growth.
2. Can I use tap water for Arowana fry?
Only if it’s dechlorinated or filtered through RO.
3. Why should I separate the fry from adult Arowana?
Adults may eat the fry out of stress or instinct.
4. When should I separate the fry?
Once they are free-swimming and off the yolk sac.
5. What should I feed Arowana fry?
Start with infusoria or baby brine shrimp.
6. How often should I feed the fry?
3 to 4 small meals per day.
7. Why is overfeeding dangerous?
It pollutes water and can harm the fry.
8. How much water should I change daily?
10–20% of the tank water.
9. What kind of filter is safe for fry?
A sponge filter with gentle flow.
10. How do I keep the water stable?
Use a heater, test water often, and avoid sudden changes.
Conclusion
Raising Arowana fry is a commitment - but it’s also really rewarding. Watching those tiny fish grow into graceful young dragons is something special. Just remember: stable water, clean tank, right food, and lots of observation.
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