Family: Osteoglossidae
Scleropages formosus — a Osteoglossidae from Southeast Asia. Reaches 67.5–99 cm; keep at 24–30 °C.
Scleropages formosus, a member of the family Osteoglossidae, comes from Southeast Asia, where it inhabits slow rivers, floodplains and swamps. Predatory; territorial as it matures and carnivore; whole fish, prawns and pellets, it grows to 67.5–99 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 24–30 °C range. In a community tank it pairs well with Similar-sized peaceful community fish.
Difficulty: moderate. Predatory; territorial as it matures. Singles or pairs in very large aquaria.
Set the heater to 24–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Adults reach 67.5–99 cm; it is upper; surface-oriented. Plan for at least 500 litres.
Carnivore; whole fish, prawns and pellets. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Yes, with care. Predatory; territorial as it matures — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Its home waters are Southeast Asia — slow rivers, floodplains and swamps, with still to gentle current.
It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.
Mouthbrooding by the male. Males carry the brood in the mouth.