Choosing an arowana is like choosing between one difficulty and another. This is for the following reasons:
1) Silver Arowana: Cheap(in the US at least), docile, fairly hardy, and easy to find. Sounds good right? Not really, for one they reach a size that rivals that of a captive Ariapima. But thats why we love arowanas right? So whats really wrong with them? The fact that the majority offered for sale are captive bread thus creating an abundance of defects and disorders, not to mention less attractive fish. The Verdict: If you can ensure the fish you're buying is wild caught , and can provide it with an adequate home then go ahead, this is the perfect Arowana for you.
2) Black Arowana: One of my personal favorites this fish is very simmilar to its silver cousin but without the common defects beceause they are all wild caught(as far as I know at least). The downside: These fish are quickly becoming very rare due to the lack of wild numbers to sustain a fishing for them, thus they command a high price and I myself couldnt justify keeping a fish that contributed to the destruction of a majestic species of this caliber. The Verdict:I dont think this is a good fish for any hobbiest to keep untill something is done about their wild status.
3) Jardini/Leichardti: Hailing from down-under these 2 fish are included together due to much debate as to if they are really a different fish at all. These fish are very attractive and quite the addition to a tank...... until they bring the demise af every fish that shares their tank. Keeping these fish in a community can be done but not without risk and sometimes proves impossible. The Verdict: If you can enjoy a tank with one resident then this fish is great for you. However if you enjoy a collection of impressive specimines and just one large, respected, and beautiful arowana then I suggest you look elsewhere.
4) African Arowana: Whats that giant minnow thing called? Its an African Arowana! Ok, so they aren't exactly beauty queens but they are an arowana and my personal favourite. They get about as big as Aussies (slightly smaller than the South American varieties). The only problem is that they are filter feeders and need to be fed, even in adulthood, at least twice a day, not all of us have that time and capital rescorce to accomadate these feedings. The Verdict: If you can afford and have the time to feed this fish twice a day and dont mind its drab coloring then I highly recomend this fish.
5) Asian Arowana: The Co De Gras of arowanas. Problem is its illegal in the US. Still its the most beautiful arowana to about anyone you ask. The Verdict: Too bad, maybe someday we could keep these fish without having nightmares about prison. To those of you outside of the U.S you better have on of these, they are in many ways the perfect arowana, not as big as the others, not picky, very personable, and just plain pretty, this is THE FISH man!
