The $400,000 Fish: 7 Shocking Facts And 2025 Care Updates For The Majestic Arowana

The Arowana, often revered as the 'Dragon Fish,' is not just a pet; it is a living symbol of wealth, status, and ancient mythology, particularly across Southeast Asia. Its immense size, metallic scales, and distinctive barbels give it a prehistoric, majestic appearance that has captivated aquarists for decades. As of December 12, 2025, the world of Arowana keeping is evolving, with new trends in rare morphs and updated care protocols essential for the health of these magnificent, high-value creatures.

This comprehensive guide dives into the most current and shocking facts about the Arowana, from its staggering market value to the specialized care required to keep this endangered species thriving in a home aquarium. Understanding the latest information is crucial, as keeping an Arowana is a commitment that can last a lifetime—theirs can be up to 60 years in captivity.

The Arowana's Profile and Staggering Value (2025)

The term 'Arowana' primarily refers to several species within the family Osteoglossidae, most notably the Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus), which holds the highest value and is the focus of much of the trade and conservation efforts.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• Scientific Family: Osteoglossidae
• Common Names: Dragon Fish, Bony-tongued Fish, Aruana, Saratoga
• Origin: South America (Silver and Black Arowana), Southeast Asia (Asian Arowana varieties), Australia (Jardini and Leichardti Arowana), Africa (African Arowana)
• Adult Size: Up to 3 feet (Asian and Silver Arowanas)
• Lifespan: Up to 60 years in captivity
• Conservation Status: Asian Arowana is listed as Endangered (IUCN 3.1) and is on CITES Appendix I.
• Legality: Due to its CITES Appendix I status, the Asian Arowana is illegal to import into the United States.

1. The Platinum Arowana: The World's Most Expensive Fish

The single most shocking fact about the Arowana remains its price tag. The Platinum Arowana, an extremely rare morph of the Asian Arowana, is considered the world's most expensive aquarium fish.

Its flawless, uniform white-silver coloration is the result of a genetic mutation, and specimens have been valued at over $400,000. Even the highly coveted Super Red Arowana—a color variant prized for its deep, vibrant red scales—can fetch up to $300,000 for exceptional specimens.

2. The CITES Crisis: Endangered Status and Illegal Trade

The Asian Arowana's high demand has led to severe population declines in its native habitat, which is why it is listed as Endangered. To combat this, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) placed it on Appendix I.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

This listing means commercial international trade in wild-caught specimens is prohibited. Legal trade involves only captive-bred Arowanas from registered, CITES-approved farms, with each fish carrying a microchip and a certificate of authenticity to prove its origin.

Essential Arowana Care and Tank Requirements (2025 Updates)

Keeping an Arowana is often referred to as 'monster fish keeping' due to the fish's predatory nature and enormous size. The 2025 standard of care emphasizes massive tank size and impeccable water quality.

3. Tank Size is Non-Negotiable: The 400-Gallon Standard

Forget the standard home aquarium; Arowanas require immense space to thrive. While a juvenile may temporarily manage in a 250-gallon tank, an adult Arowana—which can grow up to 3 feet long—requires a minimum of 400 gallons.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The tank must also have a secure, heavy lid. Arowanas are powerful, predatory jumpers, and a common cause of death is jumping out of an unsecured tank.

4. Water Quality and Gill Health

Maintaining pristine water is key to preventing common Arowana diseases. For optimal health, some experts recommend adding freshwater aquarium salt to the tank, which can help support the fish's gill health and overall slime coat.

Routine water changes (20-25% every three days or 30-40% weekly) are crucial for managing nitrate levels and maintaining the slightly acidic to neutral pH range these fish prefer.

Addressing the Most Common Arowana Health Issues

Arowanas are hardy but susceptible to a few specific ailments that are major concerns for owners. Topical authority requires an understanding of these conditions and their common remedies.

5. The Dreaded 'Drop Eye' Syndrome

Drop Eye Syndrome (DE) is arguably the most common and frustrating ailment for Arowana keepers. It causes one or both eyes to permanently droop, giving the fish a downward gaze.

Causes and Prevention:

• Fat Accumulation: Overfeeding a diet high in fat (like feeder fish) is a primary cause, leading to fat deposits behind the eye.
• Tank Environment: The fish constantly looking down for food or distractions at the bottom of the tank is another major factor.

While there is no proven, guaranteed cure, prevention involves a strict, varied diet of high-quality pellets, shrimp, and insects, and often floating a ball or object on the water surface to encourage the fish to look up.

6. Other Common Diseases and Treatments

Arowanas can suffer from several other health issues, often linked to poor water quality or injury:

• Fin Rot: Caused by bacterial infection, often treated with water changes and antibiotics/medicated salt baths.
• Cloudy Eyes: A bacterial issue, typically resolved with frequent water changes (20-40%) and the addition of coarse salt.
• Overturned Gills: Can occur from poor water quality or a lack of oxygen; requires immediate large water changes and increased aeration.

7. The Modern Arowana Trend: Short-Body Morphs and Feng Shui

In the 2025 aquarium world, the focus is shifting beyond just color. The rare Short-bodied Red Arowana is a leading new trend, prized for its unique, stocky body shape, which fetches a premium price among collectors.

Furthermore, Arowana keeping is deeply intertwined with Feng Shui. The fish, with its large scales and resemblance to a mythological Chinese dragon, is believed to ward off evil spirits and attract wealth and prosperity. The recommended placement of the tank is often in the wealth corner of a home or business.

Selecting the Right Arowana Tank Mates

Choosing companions for a large, predatory fish requires careful consideration. The best Arowana tank mates are generally fish that are too large to be eaten and inhabit a different water column (bottom-dwellers or mid-level).

Popular and reliable companions for the Arowana include:

• Bottom-Dwellers: Various species of Bichirs and large Plecos (Plecostomus).
• Mid-to-Top Dwellers: Peaceful, fast-moving fish like Gars or large Catfish.
• Algae Eaters: The Flying Fox Fish can be a good choice to help manage algae, as they are not typically bothered by the Arowana.

It is vital to introduce tank mates that are already of a significant size to prevent the Arowana from viewing them as a meal, maintaining a peaceful, balanced, and visually stunning Arowana tank.