Arowana Fish Facts

Arowanas are freshwater bony fish of the family Osteoglossidae, also known as bonytongues[ (the latter name is now often reserved for Arapaimidae). In this family of fish, the head is bony and the elongated body is covered by large, heavy scales, with a mosaic pattern of canals. The dorsal and anal fins have soft rays and are long based, while the pectoral and ventral fins are small. The name “bonytongues“ is derived from a toothed bone on the floor of the mouth, the “tongue“, equipped with teeth that bite against teeth on the roof of the mouth. The arowana is a facultative air breather and can obtain oxygen from air by sucking it into its swim bladder, which is lined with capillaries like lung tissue. Interesting arowana Facts: arowana can reach 30 to 47 inches in length. arowana has elongated body, wedge-shaped head and wide mouth that opens in drawbridge-like manner. Two barbels on the lower jaw serve as sensory organs (they facilitate detection of food). Jaw bones, palate, tongue and pharynx are covered with teeth. Scientific name of arowana is Osteoglossum , which means “bone-tongued“ (“Osteoglossum“) arowana fish has bicirrhosum which means Two barbels on the lower jaw and they serve as sensory organs arowana is excellent jumper. It can leap more than 5 feet above the water. It is also good swimmer that moves its body in snake-like motion. arowana is diurnal animal (active during the day). arowana has keen eyesight which ensures fast identification of prey in and above the surface of the water. arowana is an omnivore (mixed diet based on plants and animals). It eats fish, aquatic insects, birds and plant matter. Turtles, snakes, rodents and even monkeys are occasionally on the menu. arowana is also known as “Water Monkey“ because of its habit to jump out of the water and collect food from the branches located above the surface of the water. arowana can recognize its owner and it can be trained to take food from his/her hands.