High Back Golden Arowana (Scleropages formosus)5-6"

The High Back Golden Arowana (Scleropages formosus) is a highly prized, premium variant of the Asian Asian Arowana, celebrated in Asian cultures as a majestic "Dragon Fish" that brings good luck and prosperity. Known for its brilliant metallic sheen, it is a higher-grade relative of the Red Tail Gold Arowana because its shimmering gold coloration extends up to the 5th row (level) of its scales.

Adult specimens grow to a striking size of 24 to 30+ inches (60–90 cm) and can live for 20 to 30 years under expert care.

Key Characteristics

Distinct Scale Grading: The gold rims on its scales clearly reach the 5th row across its body. As it matures, this golden sheen can sometimes expand even further.

Dragon-like Features: It boasts large, heavy coin-like metallic scales, a prominent arched "high back" profile, and distinct sensory whiskers protruding from its lower jaw.

Tank Setup & Optimal Water Parameters

Because these fish grow exceptionally fast and are native to tropical Southeast Asian river basins, maintaining a massive environment and pristine water quality is mandatory.

Tank Size: 150 to 250 gallons minimum for a single adult. Length and width are much more important than tank depth because they require ample space to turn around comfortably.

A Tight Lid is Mandatory: Arowanas are legendary high jumpers and can easily leap out of the tank when startled. The canopy must be heavy and tightly secured.

Temperature: Stable tropical warmth between 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). Fluctuations should not exceed +/- 1°C in a single day.

pH & Hardness: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 6.0 – 7.5 and a hardness level of 5 – 15 dGH.

Decor: Keep the center completely open for swimming. Avoid any sharp rocks or driftwood, as arowanas scare easily and can permanently damage their scales or drop them entirely (which takes up to 6 months to grow back).

Diet & Nutrition

High Back Golden Arowanas are strict carnivorous surface feeders. Their upward-facing mouths are perfectly evolved to catch prey right at the water's surface.

Juveniles: Feed heavily on live or frozen high-protein foods like market shrimp, krill, small earthworms, crickets, and mealworms.

Adults: Can be slowly trained to accept specialized, floating high-quality Arowana food pellets. A varied diet prevents nutritional deficiencies and ensures their golden pigmentation stays highly vibrant.

Temperament & Tank MatesAdult Aggression: They are highly territorial and fiercely aggressive toward their own kind. They must be kept singly unless you have a massive commercial-sized pond.

Compatible Species: They completely ignore fish that dwell at the bottom or mid-levels of the tank, provided they are too large to be swallowed. Excellent tank mates include Large Plecos, Clown Loaches, Bichirs, Silver Dollars, and Freshwater Stingrays.

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