African arowana

The African arowana, also known as the Nile arowana, is an intriguing species of bonytongue fish. Despite its name, this fish is more closely related to arapaimas than to other arowanas. One of its notable features is a terminal mouth, and its diet primarily consists of plankton.

Characterized by a long body adorned with large scales, the African arowana also possesses extended dorsal and anal fins, along with a rounded caudal fin. It can reach lengths of up to 1 meter (approximately 3.3 feet) and weigh as much as 10.2 kg (around 22.5 pounds). In terms of coloration, these fish range from gray to brown or bronze, and juveniles often exhibit dark longitudinal bands.

The African arowana is distributed across Africa, particularly in various watersheds in the Sahelo-Sudanese region, including Senegal, Gambia, and parts of eastern Africa. It has also been introduced to other regions, such as Madagascar, although these introductions have sometimes had detrimental effects on local ecosystems.

Locally, the African arowana serves as a food source and has been collected for the aquarium trade in the past. Unlike some of its relatives, this species is not aggressive when kept in captivity. It is equipped with air-breathing organs that enable it to survive in low-oxygen waters and has a suprabranchial organ that aids in feeding and sensory functions.

Whether you are captivated by its unique characteristics or its adaptability, the African arowana is indeed a remarkable fish!