24K Gold Arowana

 

fish description – 24K Gold Arowana Care Guide ($Scleropages\ formosus$ ‘Golden Cross Back’ Strain)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Scleropages\ formosus$ (‘Golden Cross Back’ Strain)
Common Name	24K Gold Arowana, Golden Cross Back Arowana, Malaysian Golden Arowana
Origin	Slow-moving rivers and lakes (Malaysia, Southeast Asia)
Adult Size	24–35 inches (60–90 cm)
Temperament	Highly Aggressive, Solitary, Territorial Surface Predator
Lifespan	10–20+ years
Care Level	Expert (High financial and maintenance commitment; CITES Appendix I listed)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A spectacular, long-bodied fish with very large, metallic scales. The ’24K Gold’ trait signifies dense, brilliant gold color that is visible across the entire dorsal surface. This fish is a revered centerpiece, symbolizing prosperity and luck in Asian cultures.⁵

   

• Coloration: Brilliant, dense metallic gold that covers the entire body, including the 6th (topmost) row of scales and the cheeks. Males are generally larger and more robust; they guard the eggs/fry in their mouth (paternal mouthbrooding).⁶ Sexing is impossible until maturity.

   

• Fins: Long, prominent pectoral fins; dorsal and anal fins are located far back on the body.⁷

   

• Behavior: Highly intelligent, interactive, and fiercely territorial.⁸ They are surface predators and are notorious, powerful jumpers, requiring an extremely secure, weighted lid.

   

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons (950 liters) is the absolute minimum for a single adult.⁹ Custom-built tanks of 6–8 feet in length and 2.5 feet wide are highly recommended. A secure, heavy lid is mandatory.

   

• Schooling: Must be kept solitary or with extremely large, robust, bottom-dwelling tank mates. They are highly intolerant of their own species.
• Temperature: Tropical range: ¹⁰$75^\circ$–¹¹$86^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$–¹²$30^\circ\mathrm{C})$ (stability is crucial).¹³

   

• pH Level: Soft, slightly acidic water: 6.5 to 7.5.¹⁴ They require massive filtration (sump or large canisters) and large, frequent water changes (25–50% weekly) to manage the heavy bioload and prevent diseases like Droop Eye. Lighting (often specific ‘tanning’ lights) is used to enhance the gold color.¹⁵

   

• Aquascape: Keep sparse to maximize open swimming space.¹⁶ Use heavy, securely anchored driftwood. Substrate is optional; sand or fine gravel is fine.

   

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Diet and Feeding

 

The 24K Gold Arowana is a carnivore and a surface predator.

• Staple Diet: Should be fed a high-quality, floating carnivore pellet or stick formulated for Arowanas. They will not generally eat sinking food.¹⁷

   

• Supplementation: A rich, high-protein diet is essential for color and health.¹⁸ Offer live or frozen foods regularly: Prawns (Krill, Mysis), Crickets, Mealworms, and Fish Fillets. Feeder insects should be gut-loaded.

   

• Schedule: Juveniles should be fed 2–3 times daily; adults should be fed once daily or every other day. Feed only what is consumed immediately at the surface.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Extremely aggressive and predatory. Will eat any fish it can fit in its large mouth. Susceptible to Droop Eye if constantly looking down for food. Requires caution with all tank mates.
• Good Tank Mates: Only suitable with large, armored, or bottom-dwelling monster fish. Examples include Large Bichirs, Datnoids, large Catfish (e.g., Synodontis, Raphael Catfish), and large L-number Plecos. Tank mates must be able to withstand the Arowana’s size and temperament.¹⁹