Myanmar Arowana

Adults reach up to 60 cm in length. The Myanmar arowana has a powerful, elongated body. The dorsal and anal fins are positioned near the tail, allowing rapid acceleration during hunting. Like its South American relatives, the Myanmar arowana can jump out of the water. Its colouration is light brown with a characteristic golden sheen.

This species comes from Southeast Asia, though its exact native range remains unclear. Wild specimens have been found in southern Myanmar, in the Taninthayi region. There are no confirmed records from outside Myanmar; information about this species is based on individual aquarium trade specimens. They prefer the upper water layers.

The Myanmar arowana is a predator but does not display aggression. It can be kept with other species, provided they are large enough not to fit in its mouth. Although it is primarily solitary, the Myanmar arowana is neutral towards its own kind and can live in a group.

These fish are not suited to the hobby, as keeping them requires not only considerable experience but also significant time and financial investment. Myanmar arowanas are found mainly in public aquariums, such as those in shopping centres, or in the private collections of wealthy individuals. In both cases, their care is usually entrusted to specialists, so a detailed description of the nuances of keeping them and aquarium equipment recommendations is beyond the scope of this article.

This is a predator whose diet consists mainly of small fish, insects and other invertebrates living near the water surface. As noted earlier, the Myanmar arowana can jump out of the water to catch prey on, for example, a low-hanging branch. In the aquarium, it is fed similar meat products, which can be fresh or frozen: fish meat, molluscs, earthworms or shrimp. Mammal and bird meat should not be given: the lipids they contain are not digested by the fish, leading to fat deposits and even degeneration of internal organs.

The Myanmar arowana belongs to a genus characterized by mouthbrooding, in which the male incubates the eggs. In nature, fish reach sexual maturity after several years. Reproduction involves complex courtship rituals, after which the female lays eggs that the male takes into his mouth to continue incubating. The fry remain under the parent's protection for an extended period, leaving the mouth only after the yolk sac is fully reabsorbed and they switch to independent feeding. In the aquarium, breeding is extremely difficult because of the fish's enormous size and its specific spatial requirements.

The species is subject to typical diseases of large freshwater fish, often related to poor keeping conditions or water quality. The most common problems include parasitic infestations, such as skin parasites, flukes and crustaceans, which cause damage to the skin and fins. Prevention involves maintaining stable water parameters, regular filtration and avoiding live foods, which can carry infections. Fish are sensitive to the accumulation of organic compounds, so high demands are placed on the aquarium filtration system.

When selecting an individual, pay attention to its overall health: the fish should be active, without visible damage, ulcers or spots on the scales and fins. Make sure there are no signs of emaciation and that the fish's eyes are clear, without cloudiness. In the shop, check the water quality in the tank and observe the fish's behaviour — healthy specimens show interest in their surroundings and react normally to external stimuli. Given the rarity of the species and its high cost, it is recommended to buy the fish only from trusted suppliers that have the appropriate certificates and documentation confirming legal origin and mandatory microchip identification.