Smaller Arowana

[Pacifico]

Hi. I'm in the process of setting up a new 55 gallon FW tank, but I've got a few questions I'd like some advice on.

A few years ago, I had a Jardini Arowana that I absolutely loved... Unfortunately, it quickly became too large for its tank & I was forced to get rid of it. I'd very much like to have an Arowana again, but I don't want one that will soon become a goliath (like most if not all other Arowanas). Thus my question: is there a species of Arowana out there that stays relatively small? More specifically: one that would be capable of living in a 55 gallon?

I'm also a huge fan of Clown Loaches. I'm pretty much set on getting in the neighborhood of five of them... Assuming they were introduced around the same time as this ... smaller... *crosses fingers* Aro, would there be any threat of the Aro being aggressive with them (looking for a meal)?

Thanks a lot--I look forward to posting here frequently.

 

[Toirtis]

Aros and large clown loaches get along fine, but with the smallest species of arowana (Asians...which you cannot have anyways) typically hitting 32"-36", the answer is 'no'. 300+ gallons is about minimal for even the smallest arowana species, I am afraid.

It is important to note here that clown loaches are best in schools of 5 or more, and although slow-growers, will eventually attain 12"-16".

 

[Voodoo Chilli]

Toirtis is right: very few aros are legal to export nowadays, so the only ones you generally see available are the silvers or blacks- both of which reach 48+ inches. Needless to say, those won't last for long in a 55 gallon tank...

 

[Pacifico]

Alright :-( Thanks for the help, though. Maybe I'll go for a Sevrum/Clown combo now...

 

[Voodoo Chilli]

Severums and clown loaches would make a GREAT tank! You thinking about the greens or the golds?

 

[Pacifico]

I have a slight perference for Green's . Let me ask you, though... Could I get away with, say, four of them in a 55? I am afraid that they might become too territorial as they get older. Also, is it possible to breed Sevrums in an aquarium?

On a side note: Voodoo, are you also an audiophile? I recall seeing someone with the same name on SounDomain.com's forums

 

[Voodoo Chilli]

Pacifico-

You wouldn't be able to keep four full-grown adults in a 55 (you're looking at a 8-10 inch fish), but I'd recommend getting about six juveniles to start with and letting a couple of them pair off naturally. You'll have to "thin out the herd" as they grow, but you should end up with a breeding pair from the original six fish.

Yes, it is very possible to breed sevs in an aquarium- and a healthy breeding pair will keep you up to your eyeballs in babies. That's usually not a problem, as most local shops will gladly buy/trade stock from local breeders.

Although I am an audiophile (I've got an audio engineering degree from MTSU), that's not me on the other forum. I may have to go check that out, though.