are picky eaters and need a lot of care. Arowanas are renowned for their aggressive behavior and personality. Several species of osteoglossids exhibit parental care. They build nests and protect their young after they hatch. All species are mouthbrooders, the parents holding sometimes hundreds of eggs in their mouths. The young may make several tentative trips outside the parent's mouth to investigate the surroundings before leaving permanently. Unlike most fishes that start reproducing at around six months of age, the Arowana usually takes three to four years to reach sexual maturity. In the aquarium Depending on the classification system used, there are 10 types of arowana commonly kept as pets; 4 from Asia, 3 from South America, 2 from Australia and 1 from Africa. Asian arowana is an endangered species and banned in the United States. It is a status symbol among wealthy Asian men. An albino arowana sold for a record price of $300,000 in 2009. Most pet arowana are farmed behind high-security fences. Arowanas are solitary fish and only allow company while young; adults may show dominance and aggression. Some compatible species often partnered with this fish are clown knifefish, pacu, oscars, jaguar cichlids, green terrors, gar, tinfoil barb, Siamese tigerfish, and any other somewhat aggressive fish that cannot fit in the arowana's mouth. These fish are best kept with live or frozen feed and they easily outgrow the tank within 8 to 10 months. An aquarium with the minimum diameter of 6' by 3.5' and 300 gallons is suggested as a bare minimum but 400-800 gallons is the best way to go. Australian species are best kept alone in aquaria. It is estimated that the total annual revenue of the Asian arowana sector was over US$200 million globally since 2012. Etymology The name comes from the Tupí language arua'ná, aruanã or arauaná. References External links Asian Arowana: The Dragon Fish and a True Legend - About Fish Tank. Retrieved April 18, 2020. Osteoglossidae Extant Late Cretaceous first appearances Taxa named by Charles Lucien Bonaparte monkey