How big does a silver arowana get?

In the wild it can reach up to about 1.2 m (4 ft) in length, though most individuals average closer to 0.9 m; aquarium specimens are usually smaller, around 50 cm.

Why is the silver arowana called the "water monkey"?

Because of its powerful jumping ability, which lets it leap out of the water to catch insects, spiders, and other prey resting on branches above the surface.

Do silver arowanas take care of their eggs?

Yes. Males are mouthbrooders that carry the fertilized eggs and newly hatched fry in their mouths for roughly six weeks until the young can survive on their own.

Silver Arowanaシルバーアロワナ

Osteoglossum bicirrhosumLC— Least Concern

The silver arowana is a large, primitive freshwater fish from the Amazon basin, prized in aquariums for its gleaming silver scales, upturned mouth, and startling ability to leap clear of the water to snatch insects from overhanging branches.

Silver Arowana (reference photo) — Photo: User:Qwertzy2 / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Osteoglossiformes / Osteoglossidae Source
Size: Can reach a total length of 1.2 m in the wild but is usually around 0.9 m; in captivity it often stays around 50 cm
Diet: Carnivore Preys on insects and crustaceans that fall onto the water surface and on small fish; sometimes leaps to snatch insects from tree branches
Distribution: Native to South American river systems including the Amazon, Essequibo, and Oyapock basins, inhabiting both blackwater rivers and seasonally flooded forest. Source
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

Males are mouthbrooders, carrying fertilized eggs and then the hatched fry in their mouths for about six weeks until the young are large enough to fend for themselves. Source
Arowanas are nicknamed the "water monkey" for their remarkable ability to leap from the water to snatch insects and other prey from branches above the surface. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 2

Sunshine AquariumTokyoFrom Ikebukuro Station (Exit 35), walk along Sunshine 60 Street.

Source

Noichi Zoological Park of Kochi PrefectureKochiA 20-minute walk or 13-minute rental-bicycle ride from Noichi Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway Gomen-Nahari Line.

Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Least Concern (LC)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

Support Conservation

A visit is a small, positive way to support the daily lives of the animals you care about.

Visit: A visit itself helps support the facility.
Animal Supporter Programs & Giving: Find ways to support the facility through its official website.
Furusato Nozei: Municipally run facilities may share official guidance for this Japanese hometown-tax program.

FAQ

How big does a silver arowana get?: In the wild it can reach up to about 1.2 m (4 ft) in length, though most individuals average closer to 0.9 m; aquarium specimens are usually smaller, around 50 cm. Source
Why is the silver arowana called the "water monkey"?: Because of its powerful jumping ability, which lets it leap out of the water to catch insects, spiders, and other prey resting on branches above the surface. Source
Do silver arowanas take care of their eggs?: Yes. Males are mouthbrooders that carry the fertilized eggs and newly hatched fry in their mouths for roughly six weeks until the young can survive on their own. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 2 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org