Animal Guide

African Arowana

1 destination · 1 state

Native Range: Freshwater rivers, floodplains, and wetlands of tropical Africa

The African arowana has a very different look from the familiar arowanas seen in many aquariums. Its long body, large scales, and upturned mouth give it a prehistoric appearance, while its habit of staying close to the surface makes it especially interesting to watch. Spend a few minutes by the exhibit and you may see it hovering almost motionless before suddenly darting forward to grab food. That surface-oriented position is useful for spotting insects and other small prey above or near the water. The African arowana can also breathe atmospheric air, an ability that helps it cope with warm, sometimes oxygen-poor water in African wetlands. Its large scales catch the light as it turns, revealing subtle colors that are easy to miss during a quick glance. Look for the unusual mouth too. It is built for picking prey from the water's surface rather than searching the bottom like many other freshwater fish.

African Arowana

Where to see African Arowana

1 destination across 1 state

1 destination

New England Aquarium

Boston, MA

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