Common Causes of Arowana Fright
📝 Summary
Despite their fierce appearance, arowanas are easily startled, and when scared they may jump out of the tank, refuse food, or slam into the glass. Fright comes from external changes (noise, light, tank rearrangements) or internal issues (parasites); calm the fish with fasting, a covered tank, and gradual taming.
1 Why Arowanas Get Startled and What to Do
What causes arowana fright
Fright falls into external and internal causes:
1. External causes
External causes are fright from changes in the surroundings:
a. A noisy environment—sudden loud sounds startle them.
b. Too much activity near the tank, such as pets or children moving or teasing the fish.
c. Changes to tank setup, like new background images or adjusted lighting.
d. Flickering or abruptly changing light near the tank.
2. Internal causes
Besides outside factors, illness such as internal parasites can make an arowana dart around in panic.
Treatment depends on the cause:
a. For externally caused fright, fast the fish and rest it in a covered tank:
When an arowana is startled by environmental change it often stops eating. Don’t rush to feed; stop feeding for a while so it adapts. For severe cases, cover the tank to give it absolute quiet.
b. For parasite-induced fright, treat the parasite directly:
First remove the parasites. If few, anaesthetize and pick them off by hand; if many, use medication but control the dose carefully.
Not all arowanas are timid—some are bold. For shy ones, build their confidence:
a. Interact while feeding—hand-feed bit by bit so the fish learns your presence.
b. Spend time observing near the tank or walking gently by, so it grows used to you.
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