Saratoga fish - Scleropages leichardti

Scientific name: Scleropages leichardti

Common name: Saratoga fish

Family: Osteoglossidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 60 - 80 cm (23.62 - 31.5 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness: 3 - 14°N (53.57 - 250ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Oceania

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Overview

Scleropages leichardti—often called the Spotted Saratoga or Australian arowana—is a surface-dwelling, predatory osteoglossid endemic to eastern Australia. Sleek and powerful with spotted flanks and elongated pectoral fins, it patrols the upper layers and is an expert jumper. This is a true “showpiece” fish that demands very large, tightly covered aquaria and impeccable water quality.

Care & Tank Setup

• Tank size: Long, wide tanks only. A single adult needs 750–1,000 l / 200–265 gal+ with a length of 200–240 cm. Larger is better.
• Water: pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 3–14 °dGH, temperature 24–28 °C (75–82 °F). Keep ammonia/nitrite at 0 and nitrate very low.
• Filtration & flow: Oversized, redundant filtration (canister + sump), strong oxygenation, gentle laminar flow. Weekly 30–50% water changes.
• Aquascape: Open surface for cruising, subdued lighting, floating cover (pads, branches) to reduce skittishness. Use a secure, weight-bearing lid—jumping is frequent.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate carnivore that targets surface prey. Avoid routine feeder fish due to disease and poor nutrition.

• Staples: Quality large carnivore sticks/pellets.
• Fresh/frozen: Prawn/shrimp, fish fillet, krill, mussel, insects (crickets), earthworms.
• Avoid: Beef heart and other mammalian/avian meats as a staple (fatty, poor long-term nutrition).
• Feed moderate portions; remove leftovers promptly to preserve water quality.

Behavior & Compatibility

• General: Powerful, wary, and territorial—especially at the surface. Best kept alone as an adult.
• Tankmates: Only very large, robust, non-nippy fishes that occupy lower/mid levels (large catfish, big characins). Any small or slender fish will be prey.

Sexing

No reliable external dimorphism. Mature males may show subtler proportional differences, but sexing by appearance is uncertain.

Breeding

A paternal mouthbrooder: the male incubates eggs and early fry in his mouth. Captive spawning is rare and requires very large, quiet systems and bonded adults; parental care continues until juveniles are released.

Lifespan

Long-lived: typically 15–20+ years in spacious, well-maintained aquaria.

Origin

Endemic to eastern Australia (Queensland), notably the Fitzroy River system and nearby drainages; inhabits slow to moderate-flow rivers, billabongs, and lagoons with overhanging vegetation.

Short description

A demanding apex predator for expert keepers. Provide a massive, covered tank, quiet surroundings, and pristine, well-oxygenated water. Its surface strikes and aerial jumps are spectacular—plan your aquascape and lid accordingly.

At-a-Glance (Care Box)

• Size (captive): 60–80 cm (24–31"); wild up to ~90 cm
• Temperament: Territorial; predatory toward smaller fish
• pH: 6.0–7.5  |  GH: 3–14 °dGH
• Temp: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
• Tank: Single adult ≥ 750 l / 200 gal; 200–240 cm length; escape-proof lid
• Diet: Carnivore (pellets, fish/prawn fillet, insects, worms)
• Breeding: Paternal mouthbrooder (rare in aquaria)
• Lifespan: 15–20+ years

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net.