Care and Compatibility of Osteoglossum bicirrhosum - Osteoglossum bicirrhosum


Introduction

The Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, commonly known as the Arowana or Dragon Fish, is a species of freshwater fish native to South America. It is known for its elongated body and elegant appearance. It has a silver coloration with large scales and prominent fins. Its distinctive feature is its elongated jaws and barbels, which give it its name. It is a highly valued species in the aquarium trade due to its unique appearance.

Behavior

The Osteoglossum bicirrhosum is an active and predatory fish. It has excellent jumping ability and can propel itself out of the water to capture prey on the water surface. It is territorial and can display aggressive behavior towards other fish in the aquarium, especially during feeding.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism in Osteoglossum bicirrhosum is minimal and difficult to distinguish. Both males and females have a similar appearance. During the breeding season, they may exhibit more pronounced territorial and courtship behaviors.

Reproduction

The Osteoglossum bicirrhosum reproduces through egg laying. They are open water spawners, which means they release their eggs into the water and do not actively care for their fry. After hatching, the fry are very vulnerable and should be raised in a separate environment to prevent them from being eaten by adults. As they grow, they develop their characteristic elongated shape and distinctive colors.

Aquarium Conditions

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, also known as silver arowana, requires a large aquarium with plenty of space for swimming and jumping. It is a freshwater fish that prefers warm and well-oxygenated water. Aquarium décor should be minimal to allow unrestricted movement. Maintaining water quality is crucial and providing a varied diet.

Feeding

The Arowana is a carnivorous fish and feeds primarily on insects, crustaceans, small fish, and other aquatic invertebrates. In captivity, it can be offered a varied diet including live foods such as mosquito larvae, shrimps, and small fish. Frozen and commercially prepared foods containing essential nutrients for growth and health can also be used.

Complexity

Caring for Osteoglossum bicirrhosum can be challenging. They are active fish that need a large and well-maintained aquarium. They are voracious predators and can jump out of the water, so a secure tank lid is required. They require a diet rich in protein and regular water maintenance.


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To do an analysis more detailed about coexistence and behavior of Osteoglossum bicirrhosum (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) use the Aquarium simulation tool, if you do this you can test different ways to combine the Osteoglossum bicirrhosum with other fishes giving the dimensions and space on you aquarium, on this way you can known the optimal configuration for keep the fishes that you want.

You can also find out the 26 species compatible with the Osteoglossum bicirrhosum (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) can live together.

Note: The parameters of the water such as PH and temperature are also used to calculate the compatibility of the species.


Compatible species (26)

Compatible (5 Species)

Compatible without any restriction


Striped Raphael Catfish - Platydoras costatus

Striped Raphael Catfish

Platydoras costatus

Clown Pleco - Panaqolus maccus

Clown Pleco

Panaqolus maccus

Royal Pleco - Panaque nigrolineatus

Royal Pleco

Panaque nigrolineatus

Suckermouth catfish - Hypostomus plecostomus

Suckermouth catfish

Hypostomus plecostomus

Try to have hiding places at the bottom of the aquarium for bottom fish such as plecos.


Galaxy Plecostomus - Leporacanthicus sp L240

Galaxy Plecostomus

Leporacanthicus sp L240

Similar Sizes (2 Species)

They can coexist if they are the same size or very similar sizes, it does not work in all cases, there may be exceptions.


Oscar Fish - Astronotus ocellatus

Oscar Fish

Astronotus ocellatus

Black bullhead - Ameiurus melas

Black bullhead

Ameiurus melas

With Reservation (15 Species)

Pueden llevarse bien debido a que ocupan espacios diferentes del acuario, ya que el arawana por lo general se mantiene en la parte superior/media del acuario y el pez gato sol en la parte del fondo del acuario.


Sun Catfish - Horabagrus brachysoma

Sun Catfish

Horabagrus brachysoma

Las especies territoriales por lo general pueden convivir con especies protegidas con coraza, ya que no pueden hacerles daño por su dura piel, lo que si hay que tener en cuenta es tener un acuario con dimensiones favorables para que cada pez pueda delimitar un territorio, ya que la mayoría de peces acorazados son también peces de fondo y les gusta estar buscando lugares donde ocultarse.


Spotted Dora Catfish - Agamyxus pectinifrons

Spotted Dora Catfish

Agamyxus pectinifrons

Compatible in some cases, it depends on the nature and personality of the fish.


Horned Snail - Tyloperlamania sp

Horned Snail

Tyloperlamania sp

IndoPlanorbis Exustus - Planorbis planorbis

IndoPlanorbis Exustus

Planorbis planorbis

Anentome Helena - Anentome helena

Anentome Helena

Anentome helena

Lemon Catfish - Hemiancistrus subviridis

Lemon Catfish

Hemiancistrus subviridis

Red-bellied Piranha - Pygocentrus nattereri

Red-bellied Piranha

Pygocentrus nattereri

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus - Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum - Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Satena Pike Cichlid - Crenicichla strigata Günther

Satena Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla strigata Günther

Jack Dempsey Cichlid - Rocio octofasciata

Jack Dempsey Cichlid

Rocio octofasciata

Flowerhorn cichlid - Flowerhorn cichlid

Flowerhorn cichlid

Flowerhorn cichlid

Midas king fish - Amphilophus citrinellus

Midas king fish

Amphilophus citrinellus

Green Terror - Andinoacara rivulatus

Green Terror

Andinoacara rivulatus

Rio Grande cichlid - Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Rio Grande cichlid

Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Considerable size difference (3 Species)

They can coexist while they are similar in size or the size difference is not very abysmal, since as the fish grows it increases the chances of eating its partner that did not grow much.


Golden Royal Pleco - Sturisoma aureum

Golden Royal Pleco

Sturisoma aureum

Leopard Cactus Pleco - Hypancistrus Furunculus L199

Leopard Cactus Pleco

Hypancistrus Furunculus L199

Compatible if space is enough (1 Species)

They can coexist together if the aquarium they share is large and spacious enough for both species to feel good, as some fish may attack others to feel that they have little space and try to eliminate the competition.


Red-tailed Catfish - Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

Red-tailed Catfish

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum - Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
  • Ph: 6.5 - 7.5
  • Temperature (c°): 24 - 30
  • Measures: 60 cm - 80cm
  • Aquarium Capacity:
    320 Liters - 85 Gallons
  • Behavior: Aggressive
  • Size: Very Big
  • Swimming area: Swimming on aquarium surface
  • Water Type: Sweet water