Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Caring for Monster Fish Arowana and Stingray
- Pooja Blessings
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Caring for monster fish like the Arowana and Stingray can be a thrilling experience for aquarium enthusiasts. These impressive creatures captivate with their size, unique shapes, and behaviors. Yet, their care demands specific knowledge and commitment. This guide offers practical advice to help beginners provide the best environment and care for these fascinating fish.
Understanding Arowana and Stingray
Arowanas and Stingrays are often called monster fish because of their large size and striking appearance. The Arowana is a freshwater fish known for its elongated body, metallic scales, and powerful swimming style. It can grow up to 3 feet in captivity, requiring a spacious tank.
Stingrays, on the other hand, are flat-bodied fish with wide pectoral fins that look like wings. They come in various species, with some growing over 2 feet wide. Stingrays need a soft substrate and clean water to thrive.
Both species are popular among hobbyists who want a standout centerpiece fish. However, their care is not for casual fishkeepers due to their size and specific needs.
Setting Up the Right Aquarium
Choosing the right tank is the first step to successful care. Both Arowanas and Stingrays need large, well-maintained aquariums.
Tank size for Arowana: Minimum 180 gallons, ideally longer than tall to accommodate their horizontal swimming.
Tank size for Stingray: Minimum 125 gallons with a wide footprint to allow movement along the bottom.
Filtration: Powerful filtration systems are essential to maintain water quality. Both fish produce significant waste.
Water parameters: Keep temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C), pH around 6.5-7.5, and soft to moderately hard water.
Substrate: Use fine sand for Stingrays to protect their delicate undersides. Arowanas prefer bare or smooth substrates to avoid injury.
Tank cover: Arowanas are excellent jumpers, so a secure lid is necessary.
Feeding and Nutrition
Both fish have carnivorous diets but differ in feeding habits.
Arowana diet: Feed live or frozen foods such as shrimp, small fish, insects, and pellets designed for carnivorous fish. They prefer surface feeding.
Stingray diet: Bottom feeders that eat worms, crustaceans, and sinking pellets. Offer fresh or frozen foods like bloodworms and shrimp.
Feed them once or twice daily, adjusting portions to avoid overfeeding. Monitor their eating habits to detect health issues early.
Health and Common Issues
Maintaining good water quality is critical to prevent diseases. Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) help keep ammonia and nitrate levels low.
Arowana health concerns: Susceptible to drop eye (eye turning downward), which may relate to diet or tank setup. Also watch for injuries from tank decorations or jumping.
Stingray health concerns: Sensitive to poor water conditions, prone to bacterial infections and fin rot. Avoid sharp objects in the tank.
Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank to prevent disease spread.
Tank Mates and Compatibility
Choosing compatible tank mates is important to reduce stress and aggression.
Arowana tank mates: Large, robust fish that can hold their own, such as large catfish or silver dollars. Avoid small fish that may be seen as prey.
Stingray tank mates: Peaceful bottom dwellers like certain catfish species. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
Never keep multiple Arowanas in a small tank as they can become territorial.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Success
Test water parameters regularly using kits for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and hardness.
Clean filters monthly but avoid replacing all media at once to preserve beneficial bacteria.
Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent water pollution.
Observe fish behavior daily for signs of stress or illness.
Provide hiding spots and open swimming areas to mimic natural habitats.
