South American Arowana

Black Arowana

$399 – $899
4-6 inches 6-8 inches 8-10 inches 10-12 inches 12-14 inches
Live Arrival Guarantee — 100% guaranteed or replacement
Free Shipping — On all orders over $500
Local Pickup — Available in Beaumont, TX after payment
Hardy Species — Excellent for experienced keepers
  • Sleek dark body with striking red tail
  • Native to South America's Rio Negro basin
  • Hardy and adaptable species
  • 4.8/5 rating from 156+ customers

About the Black Arowana

The Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai) is a stunning South American species known for its sleek dark body and striking red tail. Native to the Rio Negro basin in Brazil and Colombia, this fish is highly sought after for its unique coloration that sets it apart from the more common Silver Arowana.

Unlike Asian Arowanas, Black Arowanas are not CITES protected, making them legal to own in all 50 states without special documentation. This makes them an excellent choice for collectors who want a striking, unique Arowana without the legal restrictions associated with Asian species.

Key Features:

  • Sleek dark grey to black body coloration
  • Striking red to orange tail fin
  • Long, slender body shape for fast swimming
  • Excellent eyesight with large upward-facing eyes
  • Lifespan: 10-15 years with proper care
  • Legal in all 50 states - no CITES required

The Black Arowana is an active, curious fish that will recognize its owner and can be trained to eat from your hand. Their unique coloration makes them a standout addition to any large aquarium.

Black Arowana Care Guide

Black Arowanas are hardy but require appropriate care to thrive.

Tank Requirements

  • Minimum Tank Size: 200 gallons for adult (5-6 feet length)
  • Tank Cover: Heavy, tight-fitting lid (they are excellent jumpers)
  • Filtration: High-quality canister filter rated for 2x tank volume
  • Lighting: Moderate to highlight dark coloration
  • Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel preferred

Water Parameters

  • pH Level: 6.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)
  • Temperature: 75°F - 84°F (24°C - 29°C)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2-15 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
  • Water Changes: 25-30% weekly

Diet

  • Type: Carnivore
  • Staple Foods: High-quality Arowana pellets
  • Protein Sources: Shrimp, crickets, mealworms
  • Treats: Live feeder fish (quarantined), small frogs
  • Feeding Schedule: 1-2 times daily

Black vs Silver Arowana

Black Arowanas are similar in care to Silver Arowanas but prefer slightly more acidic water. They are also generally more expensive due to their striking coloration and relative rarity in the aquarium trade.

Shipping Information

We ship Black Arowanas with the same care as our Asian species.

Shipping Methods

  • Express Overnight: Delivered by 10:30 AM next day (+$45)
  • Priority 2-Day: Delivered within 2 business days (+$35)
  • Standard 3-5 Day: Available for warmer months (+$25)

Free Shipping

All orders over $500 qualify for free express overnight shipping.

Packaging

Each fish is individually bagged with oxygenated water, bagged securely, and packed in a Styrofoam-insulated box with temperature control.

Local Pickup – Beaumont, TX

We offer local pickup at our Beaumont, Texas location:

  1. Place your order online
  2. Complete payment
  3. Call 409-359-4403 to schedule pickup
  4. Bring an appropriate transport container

Pickup Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM by appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Black Arowanas legal in the US?

Yes! Unlike Asian Arowanas, Black Arowanas are not CITES protected and are legal to own in all 50 states without special permits or documentation.

What is the difference between Black and Silver Arowana?

Black Arowanas have darker bodies (grey to black) with red/orange tails, while Silver Arowanas are uniformly silver. Black Arowanas also prefer slightly more acidic water conditions.

How big do Black Arowanas get?

Black Arowanas reach 20-24 inches in captivity, slightly smaller than Silver Arowanas which can reach 36+ inches.

Do Black Arowanas lose their color?

No. Black Arowanas maintain their dark body coloration and red tail throughout their lives. The red tail often becomes more intense with age.

Can Black Arowanas live with other fish?

Black Arowanas are aggressive and territorial. They can be kept with large Plecos, Bichirs, and other similarly sized robust fish. Avoid small fish that will become food.

What if my fish arrives deceased?

We offer a 100% live arrival guarantee. If your Black Arowana arrives deceased, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos, and we will issue a replacement or refund.

Can I visit your facility?

Yes! Local pickup customers can see our Beaumont, TX facility by appointment. Call 409-359-4403 to schedule a visit.