Silver Arowana
(Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)
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Animal Type
Fish
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Exhibits
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Range
South America
Overview
The silver arowana is a freshwater fish found in South America. Adults are a pearly silver color while juveniles have a blue glint. They have very large scales and a huge downturned mouth.
When breeding, the male incubates the eggs, larvae and young juveniles in its mouths until the yolk sac has been absorbed, which takes about two months.
A Note From the Caretaker
Arowana feed on fish found close to the surface. They also eat insects that fall into the water and will even jump out of the water to grab prey off low-hanging tree limbs.
Quick Facts
Learn more about the silver arowana! Did you know that this species can jump out of the water to catch prey?
Silver arowana can be found in the floodplains of the Amazon River Basin.
Arowana primarily eat fish at the surface, but will also supplement with insects and crustaceans.
This species can grow to more than 40 inches long and weigh more than 13 pounds.
Silver arowanas’ populations have not been evaluated.
This fish is preyed upon by larger fish.
Meet the Expert Ken Howell
As the curator of the Upland Tropical Rain Forest, Amazon River Forest and Australia: Wild Extremes exhibits, Ken starts his day early, walking through each exhibit.
Explore Exhibit Residents
Learn more about the animals that share an exhibit with this one.
Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus)
They can reach over 6 feet in length.
Giant South American River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa)
The giant South American river turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world.
Giant Waxy Tree Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor)
These frogs prevent themselves from drying out by wiping wax over their bodies.
White-Blotched River Stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi)
This stingray has a distinctive pattern of dots, helping it blend into its riverbed habitat.