Jardini Arowana: Care, Habitat, and Breeding

Jardini Arowana, also known as the Australian Arowana or Pearl Arowana, is a magnificent freshwater fish prized for its striking appearance and unique behavior. This guide provides everything you need to know about caring for Jardini Arowana, creating an ideal habitat, and understanding their breeding patterns. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or a beginner, this comprehensive article will help you ensure your Jardini Arowana thrives in its environment.

Understanding Jardini Arowana

Origins and Natural Habitat

Jardini Arowana (Scleropages jardini) is native to Northern Australia and New Guinea. They inhabit slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and billabongs, where they have adapted to a variety of water conditions. These fish are known for their remarkable jumping ability, which they use to catch prey above the water’s surface.

Physical Characteristics

Jardini Arowana are known for their stunning appearance. They have a sleek, elongated body covered in large, metallic scales that shimmer in shades of silver, gold, and green. Their pectoral fins are long and delicate, adding to their graceful appearance. Adult Jardini Arowana can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length, making them a significant presence in any aquarium.

Behavior and Temperament

Jardini Arowana are solitary and territorial fish. They are known for their aggressive behavior, especially towards other fish of the same species or those with similar body shapes. This aggressive nature makes them challenging to keep in community tanks. However, their intelligence and interactive behavior make them fascinating pets.

Setting Up the Ideal Habitat

Tank Size and Setup

Given their potential size, Jardini Arowana require a spacious tank. A minimum of 180 gallons (680 liters) is recommended for a single adult. The tank should have a secure lid, as these fish are known for their jumping prowess. Providing ample swimming space is crucial, so opt for a long, rectangular tank rather than a tall one.

Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions is vital for the health of Jardini Arowana. Here are the key water parameters to monitor:

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH Level: 6.5-7.5
• Water Hardness: 5-15 dGH
• Ammonia and Nitrite Levels: 0 ppm
• Nitrate Levels: < 20 ppm

Regular water changes and a robust filtration system are essential to keep the water clean and free of harmful toxins.

Substrate and Decorations

A sandy or fine gravel substrate mimics the natural habitat of Jardini Arowana. Avoid sharp or jagged decorations that could injure the fish. Adding driftwood, smooth rocks, and some sturdy plants can provide hiding spots and reduce stress. However, keep the decorations to a minimum to ensure ample swimming space.

Lighting

Jardini Arowana do not require intense lighting. Moderate lighting that mimics natural daylight is sufficient. Using LED lights with a timer can help create a consistent day-night cycle, promoting a healthy environment for the fish.

Feeding Jardini Arowana

Diet and Nutrition

Jardini Arowana are carnivorous and have a varied diet in the wild, consisting of insects, small fish, and crustaceans. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods, and occasional treats. Here are some suitable food options:

• Pellets: High-quality, protein-rich pellets formulated for carnivorous fish.
• Live Foods: Crickets, mealworms, feeder fish (use sparingly to avoid introducing diseases).
• Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, shrimp, krill, and silversides.
• Treats: Earthworms, pieces of fish fillet, and other meaty foods.

Feed Jardini Arowana once or twice a day, providing only as much food as they can consume in a few minutes. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food can pollute the water and lead to health issues.

Feeding Tips

• Variety: Offer a varied diet to ensure balanced nutrition.
• Supplementation: Occasionally supplement their diet with vitamins to boost their immune system.
• Observation: Monitor their eating habits and adjust feeding amounts accordingly.

Health and Disease Management

Common Health Issues

Jardini Arowana are generally hardy fish, but they can be susceptible to certain health problems if not properly cared for. Common issues include:

• Ich: White spot disease caused by parasites. Treat with increased temperature and medication.
• Fin Rot: Bacterial infection causing fin deterioration. Improve water quality and use antibiotics.
• Dropsy: Swelling of the body due to internal infections. Isolate the affected fish and treat with antibiotics.
• Parasites: External and internal parasites can be treated with appropriate anti-parasitic medications.

Preventative Measures

Maintaining excellent water quality and providing a balanced diet are the best ways to prevent diseases. Regularly check water parameters, perform routine water changes, and quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank.

Breeding Jardini Arowana

Breeding Behavior

Breeding Jardini Arowana in captivity is challenging due to their aggressive nature and specific requirements. However, with the right conditions and patience, it is possible. Here are the steps to encourage breeding:

• Tank Size: Use a large tank (at least 300 gallons) to accommodate the breeding pair.
• Water Conditions: Maintain optimal water parameters with slightly softer water during the breeding season.
• Diet: Feed a varied and nutritious diet to condition the fish for breeding.

Spawning Process

Jardini Arowana are mouthbrooders, meaning the male carries the fertilized eggs in his mouth until they hatch. The spawning process involves the following steps:

1. Courtship: The male and female will engage in courtship behavior, including circling and displaying.
2. Spawning: The female lays eggs, which the male fertilizes and collects in his mouth.
3. Incubation: The male incubates the eggs in his mouth for 20-25 days until they hatch.
4. Fry Release: The male releases the fry once they are free-swimming.

Raising Fry

Raising Jardini Arowana fry requires careful attention and separate rearing tanks. Here are some tips:

• Separate Tank: Move the fry to a separate rearing tank with gentle filtration and aeration.
• Feeding: Feed the fry a diet of baby brine shrimp, finely crushed pellets, and other small foods.
• Water Quality: Maintain excellent water quality with frequent water changes to ensure healthy growth.

Handling and Safety Tips

Handling Jardini Arowana

Handling Jardini Arowana should be minimized to avoid stress and injury. If necessary, use a large, soft net and support the fish’s body to prevent damage to their delicate fins and scales.

Safety Precautions

Jardini Arowana can be aggressive and powerful. Exercise caution when performing tank maintenance to avoid accidental bites. Keep the tank lid securely closed to prevent the fish from jumping out.

Types of Jardini Arowana

• Red Jardini Arowana: Care, Habitat, and Breeding
• Golden Jardini Arowana: Care, Habitat, and Breeding
  

Conclusion

Jardini Arowana are captivating and challenging fish to keep. With their striking appearance and intriguing behavior, they can be a rewarding addition to an experienced aquarist’s collection. By providing the right habitat, diet, and care, you can ensure your Jardini Arowana thrives and lives a long, healthy life.