Arowana, with their striking appearance and graceful movements, are one of the most coveted and iconic freshwater fish species in the aquarium hobby. They require a balanced diet to thrive and display their full potential in captivity.
Arowana prefer live prey but will also eat dried mealworms if given the chance. Young arowana can be fed mealworms daily, but reduce frequency to every other day when they reach adulthood.
While live food items are typically the go-to choice for feeding Arowana, dried mealworms can also play a valuable role in their diet. In this article, we will explore the preferences of Arowana regarding live and dried mealworms, discuss feeding frequency and quantity, and highlight the benefits of incorporating dried mealworms into their diet.
Will Arowanas Eat Dried Mealworms?
Arowana are known to be primarily carnivorous, and their natural diet typically consists of a variety of live prey items, such as insects, small fish, crustaceans, and even birds in the wild. The question of whether Arowana prefer live or dried mealworms largely depends on the individual fish’s age, temperament, and previous feeding habits.
Live Mealworms
Young Arowana, especially those in the wild or newly introduced to captivity, tend to have a strong preference for live prey. They are instinctual hunters and enjoy chasing and capturing moving food items. Live mealworms provide both a visual and physical stimulus for them.
Feeding live mealworms allows Arowana to engage in hunting behavior, which provides exercise and mental stimulation. This activity is essential for their overall well-being.
Live mealworms are also fresh, which means they are highly nutritious and less likely to spoil or become contaminated. These are also applicable when feeding mealworms to other animals like toads.
Dried Mealworms
Convenience: Dried mealworms are readily available, require no maintenance or storage of live insects, and can be kept on hand for convenient feeding.
Long Shelf Life: Dried mealworms have a significantly longer shelf life compared to live insects. This makes them a practical choice for Arowana keepers who cannot always obtain live prey.
Transitioning Option: Some Arowana may be more receptive to dried mealworms when transitioning from live prey. They can serve as a bridge to help Arowana adapt to different food sources.
How Often Should Arowana Eat Mealworms?
The feeding frequency and quantity of mealworms, whether live or dried, depend on the age, size, and specific dietary requirements of the Arowana. In general, it’s essential to balance their diet to meet their nutritional needs while preventing overfeeding.
Juvenile Arowana
Juvenile Arowana are typically more active and have higher energy requirements. They may require more frequent feedings compared to adult Arowana. When feeding mealworms to juvenile Arowana:
Live Mealworms: Offer live mealworms every day or every other day, adjusting the quantity based on their size. A typical guideline is to provide mealworms that are about the same size as the fish’s mouth.
Dried Mealworms: Dried mealworms can be incorporated into the diet but should be used as a supplementary or occasional food item for juvenile Arowana. Offer them a few times a week to add variety to their diet.
Adult Arowana
Adult Arowana are less active and have lower energy requirements than juveniles. When feeding mealworms to adult Arowana:
Live Mealworms: Offer live mealworms as a treat or part of their diet, but do not make them the primary food source. Feeding live mealworms every 2-3 days can suffice, adjusting the quantity to match the Arowana’s size and condition.
Dried Mealworms: Dried mealworms can be offered a few times a week as a supplementary food item. Adult Arowana can benefit from the convenience of dried mealworms, which have a longer shelf life.
Benefits of Mealworms for Arowana
Incorporating dried mealworms into an Arowana’s diet offers several advantages, making them a practical addition to the feeding regimen.
- Dried mealworms are nutritionally dense, containing essential nutrients that can benefit Arowana:
- High Protein Content: Mealworms are rich in protein, promoting muscle growth and overall health in Arowana.
- Energy Source: The fat content in mealworms provides an energy source for Arowana, aiding in maintaining their vitality.
- Nutrient Diversity: Dried mealworms offer a variety of vitamins and minerals that contribute to the overall well-being of Arowana.
Convenience
One of the primary advantages of dried mealworms is their convenience:
- Long Shelf Life: Dried mealworms have a lengthy shelf life, allowing Arowana keepers to keep a ready supply on hand without concerns about spoilage.
- Availability: Dried mealworms are readily available from pet stores or online retailers, ensuring a consistent and accessible food source.
- Ease of Use: Feeding dried mealworms is simple and mess-free, making it convenient for Arowana keepers.
Transitioning and Dietary Variety
Dried mealworms can serve as a valuable tool for transitioning Arowana to different food items or providing dietary variety:
Transitioning: If you acquire an Arowana that has been primarily fed dried mealworms, offering them as a part of the diet can help ease the transition to other food sources.
Dietary Variety: Arowana, like all animals, benefit from dietary diversity. Including dried mealworms in their diet can offer variety and ensure they receive a range of nutrients.
Whether feeding live or dried mealworms, it’s crucial to monitor the health and condition of your Arowana. Keep the following considerations in mind:
Growth and Weight: Pay attention to your Arowana’s growth rate and weight to ensure they are developing appropriately for their age and size.
Activity and Behavior: A healthy Arowana should display alertness, natural swimming behaviors, and an appetite for food.
Water Quality: Maintain high water quality in the aquarium to prevent stress and disease, which can affect the Arowana’s health.
Dietary Balance: Provide a balanced diet that includes a variety of food items to meet all their nutritional requirements.
Conclusion
Feeding Arowana, whether live or dried mealworms, is a critical aspect of their care and well-being. Arowana’s dietary preferences can vary, with live mealworms offering stimulation and exercise, while dried mealworms provide convenience and a long shelf life. Balancing the diet of juvenile and adult Arowana with appropriate quantities and frequencies is essential.
Dried mealworms are a practical and nutritious option, allowing Arowana keepers to ensure their prized fish receive the necessary nutrients for vibrant health and vitality. By monitoring your Arowana’s growth, behavior, and dietary balance, you can help them thrive in your care and enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of this magnificent fish species.
