Australian Arowana | Scleropages jardini
Others / Osteoglossidae / Australian Arowana
Profile: Silver Barramundi, Northern Barramundi, Australian Arowana
Scleropages jardini
Synonyms: None
Physical description: The Silver Barramundi is similar in body shape S. leicharati. The back is brown- silver, while the flanks are silver. The frontal region of each scale is gray, while the rear part is silver to orange. This species develops an orange cast with age. The fins are dark gray with various orange spots.
Size/Length: To 32" (81 cm) in nature, although usually not larger than 24" (61 cm) in captivity.
Similar species: Scleropages formosus, S. leicharati
Habitat: Australia, Papua New Guinea
S: top
Aquarium: A tank measuring 48" (122 cm) or 55 gallons (209 L) is minimum for young individuals. They will quickly out-grow an aquarium of this size! Follow suggestions for O. bicirrhosum.
Water chemistry: pH 6.8-7.8 (7.5), 8-16 dH (12), 75-86°F (24-30°C)
Social behavior: This large, predatory species is aggressive towards its own and similar species. Combine only with other robust, large species.
Suggested companions: Larger rainbowfish, large Tinfoil Barbs, Clown Knife, Giant Gourami, Cichlids, Arius catfish, Bagrid catfish, Pimelodid catfish.
FOOD: Live; fish, spiders, large flying insects, Tubifex; may accept pellets and flakes
Sexual differences: The males have a longer anal fin and are distinguishable by their prognathous jaws. The females are usually fatter when mature.
Breeding techniques: This species has been bred on a few isolated occasions in captivity. The female lays 50-200 eggs which are 0.4-0.5" (1-1.3 cm) in diameter. These hatch in 18-30 days and are incubated in the mouth of the male. The young begin feeding on small crustaceans and microorganisms.
Breeding potential: 10." S. jardini has been bred with irregularity in captivity. Breeding is not possible in most tanks due to the size requirement of this species.
Remarks: The validity of this species in in doubt. There is debate to whether S. jardini and S. leicharati should be considered separate species or just different morphs of the same species.
Difficulty of care: 8. This large species requires live foods and a well-maintained tank.