Myanmar Arowana
- Aquarium size — from 1000 L
- Temperature — 24–30°C
- pH — 6.0–7.5
- Water hardness — soft to medium (2–12 dGH)
- Substrate — sand or fine gravel
- Lighting — dim to moderate
- Brackish water — no
- Water movement — weak to moderate
- Adult size — up to 60–70 cm
- Diet — meaty foods
- Temperament — territorial predator
- Best kept alone or with very large tankmates
- Lifespan — 15+ years
Overview
The Myanmar Arowana is a very rare and expensive variant of Asian arowana. In the trade it is sometimes referred to as Scleropages inscriptus and is prized for its complex scale pattern and limited natural range. Like other arowanas, it is a powerful surface-dwelling predator and requires a very large, carefully planned aquarium.
This species is not suitable for beginners. High purchase price, strict legal regulations in many countries and demanding care requirements mean that only experienced keepers with enough space and budget should attempt to keep a Myanmar Arowana at home.
Habitat
In nature Myanmar Arowanas occur in a limited area of Myanmar (Burma), in slow-flowing rivers and floodplain areas with warm, soft, slightly acidic water. The shores are often densely overgrown with vegetation, and the fish patrol the surface looking for insects, small fish and other prey.
Seasonal flooding creates large, shallow areas with submerged roots and branches. During the dry season fish retreat to deeper channels and pools, but they still stay close to cover such as driftwood, fallen trees and dense shoreline plants.
Description
Myanmar Arowanas have the typical elongated, laterally compressed body of all arowanas, with a large upturned mouth and long dorsal and anal fins placed far back towards the tail. The scales are large, metallic and often decorated with darker “inscriptions” or irregular markings, which gave the species its Latin name.
In the aquarium they can reach 60–70 cm in length. Juveniles are usually more colourful, with contrasting edges on the scales and fins. With age the pattern becomes more subtle, but adults still look very impressive and quickly become the visual center of the tank.
Feeding
In the wild Myanmar Arowanas are opportunistic predators that feed on smaller fish, crustaceans and large insects that fall on the water surface. In captivity they should receive a varied diet based on meaty foods. Suitable options include pieces of fish and shrimp, earthworms, nightcrawlers, frozen prawns and high-quality carnivore pellets.
Feeding warm-blooded meat (beef, chicken, pork) is not recommended because the fat composition is unsuitable for fish and may lead to liver problems. It is also better to avoid feeder fish of dubious origin to reduce the risk of parasites and infections. Offer relatively small portions and remove uneaten food to keep the water clean.
Care and aquarium setup
A single adult Myanmar Arowana needs a tank of at least 1000 liters, and more is always better. The aquarium should be long and wide so the fish can turn around and swim comfortably. Keep the tank tightly covered; arowanas are powerful jumpers and can easily knock off loose lids.
Use sand or fine gravel as a substrate and decorate the tank with large pieces of driftwood and sturdy plants along the sides and back, leaving a lot of open swimming space near the surface. Strong filtration, regular water changes and stable warm temperatures are essential, because this species is very sensitive to poor water quality.
Behavior and compatibility
Myanmar Arowanas are solitary, territorial predators. They usually ignore tankmates that are too large to be swallowed but will hunt any smaller fish. Keeping several arowanas together is risky and often leads to aggression except in enormous, carefully managed tanks.
Possible companions include other large, robust fish with similar water requirements, such as big catfish or large cichlids. Even in such combinations the behavior of the arowana should be monitored closely, especially during feeding, to avoid injuries and chronic stress.