Spotted Arowana | Scleropages leicharati

Others / Osteoglossidae / Spotted Arowana

Profile: Spotted Barramundi
Scleropages leicharati
Synonyms: None
Physical description: Virtually identical in body shape to S. jardini. The back is gray while the flanks are silver with a silver iridescence. Each scale is marked with one or two orange spots. The fins are marked with orange spots. The anal, dorsal, and caudal fins are edged in black.
Size/Length: To 32" (80 cm) in nature; rarely larger than 20" (51 cm) in aquaria
Similar species: Scleropages formosus, S. jardini
Habitat: Fitzroy River in Northern Australia
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 7-8 (7.5), 6-16 dH (12), 77-86°F (25-30°C)
Social behavior: This large, predatory species is aggressive towards its own and similar species. Combine only with other robust, large species.
Suggested companions: As for S. jardini.
FOOD: Live; fish, spiders, large flying insects, Tubifex; may accept pellets and flakes
Sexual differences: The females are usually fatter during the spawning season when mature.
Breeding techniques: Spawning has been observed in nature. The male mouthbroods the eggs until fry are able to swim.
Breeding potential: 10. Breeding has not been successful in captivity.
Remarks: The Spotted Barramundi is very sensitive to water conditions, more so than S. jardini. The Spotted Barramundi is considered an Endangered Species and cannot be imported.
Difficulty of care: 9. The Spotted Barramundi grows very large. This predator is sensitive to water pollutants and requires frequent partial water changes. This fish must be fed live foods.