Temperature24 – 30 °C
Natural range
- Southeast Asia area
- Indonesia area
- Malaysia area
Predators UnusualConservation status: Endangered EN
Other scientific names: Osteoglossum formosum, Scleropages aureus, Scleropages legendrei, Scleropages macrocephalus
Aravana asiatica, scientific name Scleropages formosus, belongs to the family Osteoglossidae (Aravanaceae).
- Required aquarium volume
- 1000 L
- Size in aquarium
- 90 cm
- Temperature
- 24 – 30 °C
- Temperament
- Territorial (often aggressive)
Parameters
Water pHSlightly acidic (6) – Neutral (7.5)
Water dHVery soft (2) – Hard (15)
Water salinityno salt (freshwater)
Size in aquarium90 cm
Lifespan15 years
TemperamentTerritorial (often aggressive)
Toward small fishpredator
Required aquarium volume1000 L
Lightingdimmed or moderate
Substrateany (no restrictions)
Water flownone or stagnant (no flow)
FeedingMeat / protein (live, frozen, fresh)
CareSolitary
Description
Adults reach a length of up to 90 cm. The fish has a long body with large pectoral fins.
Habitat
If geographical forms are taken into account, the natural habitat extends throughout Southeast Asia, including the archipelagos of Malaysia and Indonesia.
Behavior and compatibility
They live in the upper layers of water.
Care and maintenance
Asian Aravana is not for the amateur.
Diet
A properly selected diet is key to the success of long-term maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
The essentials: size, tank volume, water parameters and care
How big does Aravana asiatica get?
An adult reaches 90 cm in length. Plan the tank around the maximum size: the fish quickly outgrows a cramped setup.
What size aquarium does Aravana asiatica need?
The minimum recommended volume is 1000 L. A smaller tank speeds up nitrate build-up and raises stress levels.
What water parameters does Aravana asiatica need?
Temperature 24–30 °C, pH 6–7.5, hardness 2–15 dGH. Stability matters more than exact values: sudden swings are harder on the fish than a small deviation from the ideal.
How long does Aravana asiatica live?
Around 15 years when kept properly. Lifespan depends directly on tank volume, water quality and a varied diet.
Is Aravana asiatica aggressive?
Temperament: territorial (often aggressive). This is a predatory species — any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will eventually be eaten.
How many Aravana asiatica should be kept together?
Recommended setup: solitary. Ignoring this is a common cause of stress and disease.
What does Aravana asiatica eat?
Diet type: meat / protein (live, frozen, fresh). Feed small portions that are finished within a couple of minutes — overfeeding does more harm than underfeeding.
What is the scientific name of Aravana asiatica?
The scientific name of the species is Scleropages formosus, family Osteoglossidae (Aravanaceae). It also appears in the literature as: Osteoglossum formosum, Scleropages aureus, Scleropages legendrei.