Albino Silver Arowana (6-6.5”)

Scientific Name:

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum (Albino Morph)

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 36 inches (90 cm) in captivity, though typically 24–30 inches is more common due to tank size limitations

• Lifespan: 10–20 years with excellent care, sometimes longer

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum Tank Size:

  • 250 gallons+ (1135 liters) 

  • Tank should be at least 8 feet long and 2.5 feet wide for full-grown adults

• Tank Setup:

  • Tight-fitting lid (they are powerful jumpers)

  • Open swimming space with minimal hard decorations

  • Gentle filtration with moderate current

  • Dim or subdued lighting recommended for albino specimens to reduce stress

Water Change and Care:

• Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Water Changes:

  • 50-80% weekly, more for juvenile fish or heavily stocked tanks

  • Maintain excellent water quality to prevent disease and stress

• General Care:

  • Require highly oxygenated water and good surface agitation

  • Sensitive to water quality; invest in a high-quality canister or sump filtration system

  • Monitor for drop-eye, common in captive specimens, especially with poor diet or tank setup. Its best to add a wave maker so they 

Tankmates:

• Large polypterus, Datnoids, Large catfish Large cichlids, Stingrays, Silver Dollars, Barbs, etc.

• Avoid:

  • Small tankmates (they will become prey)

   

Diet:

• Carnivorous

• Feed a varied diet of:

  • Frozen/thawed shrimp, tilapia, krill

  • Pellets  Hikari Food/Carnivore Sticks. Northfin Arowana Formula

• Juveniles: feed 2–3 times daily

• Adults: feed every other day or 5 days per week

Overview:

The Albino Silver Arowana is a genetically rare variant of the popular South American Silver Arowana, prized for its pearly white to golden-pink hue These fish demand high-end, large aquariums and dedicated care but offer immense beauty and presence. Like all arowanas, they are surface dwellers, often gliding just below the waterline. Albino variants may be slightly more sensitive to lighting and stress, making proper tank design and peaceful surroundings essential.

Natural Environment:

• Native to the Amazon River Basin and its tributaries in South America

• Typically found in slow-moving waters, flooded forests, and blackwater rivers

• Often swim close to the surface, leaping for insects or small animals in the wild

Breeding:

• Breeding Albino Silver Arowanas in captivity is extremely rare and difficult

• They are mouthbrooders:

  • Male incubates eggs in his mouth for 50–60 days

• Requires a massive breeding pond or tank with a compatible pair

• Sexing is difficult and pairing is often trial-and-error

• Most albino individuals available in the trade are captive-bred overseas, especially in Southeast Asia