Arowana Age Calculator
How old is your Arowana in human years?
Calculator
Enter your pet's age above to see results.
Typical Lifespan
Reference Table
Quick lookup of pet age in human years across common parameters.
| Pet age (years) | Human age |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12 |
| 2 | 22 |
| 3 | 32 |
| 4 | 42 |
| 5 | 52 |
| 6 | 62 |
| 7 | 72 |
| 8 | 82 |
| 9 | 92 |
| 10 | 102 |
| 11 | 112 |
| 12 | 122 |
| 13 | 132 |
| 14 | 142 |
| 15 | 152 |
| 16 | 162 |
| 17 | 172 |
| 18 | 182 |
| 19 | 192 |
| 20 | 202 |
| 21 | 212 |
| 22 | 222 |
About the Arowana
Almost prehistoric in profile, the Arowana (Osteoglossum / Scleropages spp.) is a long-bodied predatory fish that surface-strikes insects — and small birds — with a vertical leap. The Asian arowana is CITES Appendix I (regulated trade); the silver and black South American forms dominate the legal pet market. Captive lifespan runs 10–15 years with exceptional individuals exceeding 20 in 1000 L+ aquariums. Cultural significance is unusually high: Asian arowanas are considered feng-shui auspicious, and individual fish trade for thousands of US dollars. Diet is whole prey — feeder fish, shrimp, and pellets formulated for predatory cichlids. Knowing your arowana's human-equivalent age helps recognise the long adult plateau (year 1–15) and the senior transition signs (slower strikes, reduced appetite). This calculator uses peer-reviewed aquarium veterinary data.
How Arowanas age
Through life, a Arowana moves through fry (0-3 mo) → juvenile (3 mo-1 yr) → adult (1-15 yr) → senior (15-20 yr); the early years carry the highest growth rate by a wide margin. Skeletal maturity, immune calibration, and behavioural shape are all set during the juvenile phase, which is why husbandry errors in the first years compound for life. Adulthood is the long stable plateau most owners enjoy, and the period where preventive care delivers the most return. Senior stage usually arrives at 70-80 % of average species lifespan — for this species, that is roughly age 15. Reaching the species' upper lifespan range typically depends on excellent nutrition, regular veterinary screening, and consistently meeting published husbandry guidelines.
Senior Arowana care tips
- Minimum 1000 L tank for adult arowana; secure-fitting lid (jumpers).
- Whole-prey diet: feeder fish, shrimp, premium pellets formulated for predatory cichlids.
- Stable 26-30 °C; pH 6.0-7.5; strong filtration handling heavy bioload.
- Bi-weekly 30 % water changes; arowanas are sensitive to nitrate buildup.
- Solitary or carefully-paired; aggression to similar-sized fish is the norm.
Common Arowana health concerns
- Drop-eye syndrome (looking down)
- Caused by reflective tank bottoms or floating prey; adjust feeding location to mid-water.
- Gill curling from low oxygen
- Increase aeration and surface agitation; typically reverses if caught early.
- Aggression in shared tanks
- Arowanas dominate the surface column; avoid mixing with surface-dwelling species.
Sources & Citations
All formulas and life stage data are sourced from peer-reviewed veterinary publications and professional veterinary associations.
This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical advice specific to your pet.