How to Identify African Arowana

To identify African Arowana (Heterotis niloticus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Generally uniform grey, olive-brown, or silvery-grey dorsally, fading to lighter shades ventrally. Fins are typically dusky or grey. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical banding.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Large, cycloid scales with a mosaic pattern, Dorsal and anal fins set far back on the body, almost confluent with the caudal fin, Distinctive upturned mouth with a prominent lower jaw, Absence of barbels, Unique suprabranchial organ for filter feeding

Dorsal fin

Single, long dorsal fin with 32-37 soft rays, originating well behind the pectoral fins.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin, often appearing almost continuous with the dorsal and anal fins.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, rounded pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is long, similar in shape and size to the dorsal fin, with 32-39 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small and abdominal.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Size

   Look for a large, elongated, and somewhat compressed body, reaching up to 100 cm (39 inches) in length and weighing over 10 kg (22 lbs).

2. 2

   Mouth

   Observe the distinctly upturned mouth with a prominent lower jaw, indicative of its surface-feeding and filter-feeding habits.

3. 3

   Scales

   Note the very large, cycloid scales that give the fish a 'bonytongue' appearance, though it lacks the bony tongue of other arowanas.

4. 4

   Fin Placement

   The dorsal and anal fins are positioned far back on the body, close to the rounded caudal fin, giving it a somewhat eel-like posterior appearance.

5. 5

   Coloration

   Its generally drab, uniform grey to olive-brown coloration helps distinguish it from the more brightly colored South American and Asian arowanas.

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