Flowerhorns vs Arowanas: Which Fish is the Best Choice for Your Aquarium?

When it comes to selecting the perfect fish for your aquarium, choosing between flowerhorns and arowanas can present a dilemma. Both species offer unique qualities and considerations. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help you decide which fish meets your needs and preferences.

Appearance

Flowerhorns are recognized for their vibrant colors and distinctive nuchal hump on their heads, making them visually striking. On the other hand, arowanas have an elongated body and impressive metallic scales that exude elegance as they grow larger.

Behavior

Flowerhorns are generally more aggressive and territorial, often showing more aggression during mating seasons. Meanwhile, arowanas can also be aggressive but are generally less territorial. Both species require careful tankmate selection to maintain peace and harmony in the tank.

Care Requirements

Flowerhorns thrive in a well-maintained environment with proper water quality and regular feeding. They need plenty of hiding spaces and a tank size that can accommodate their activity levels. They typically require a tank that is at least 30 gallons for a single fish, but pet stores often sell smaller variants that can fit in a smaller space. Arowanas, however, demand a much larger living space, usually starting at 250 gallons or more. This is due to their size and swimming needs. High water quality is essential for these active fish, and a varied diet is necessary for their well-being.

Lifespan

Both species can live for a considerable period but have different life expectancies. Flowerhorns can live around 10-15 years with proper care, while arowanas can thrive for 15-20 years or more when given the right conditions.

Personality

Flowerhorns are known for their interactive nature and can recognize their owners, making them engaging pets. On the other hand, arowanas are often curious and can be trained to accept food from the hand of their owners.

Conclusion

Deciding between flowerhorns and arowanas ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific care requirements you are willing to meet. If you prefer a colorful, interactive fish and are willing to manage the care demands of a smaller tank, a flowerhorn might be the better choice. However, if you seek a larger, impressive fish with the space and resources to accommodate it, an arowana could be ideal.

Consideration

The most critical factor to consider is the size of the space available for your aquarium. Arowanas require a tank that is at least 6 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 2 feet high. In contrast, flowerhorns can generally be kept in a tank that is around 3 feet long, 20 inches wide, and of similar height. Additionally, keep in mind that a 6-inch arowana can grow up to 1.5-2 feet in just a year, so ensure you have the space and resources to accommodate its growth.

Dwarf Flowerhorns are also an option for those with limited space. These smaller versions do not grow as large, making them suitable for tanks of around 30 gallons or more.