Arowana is terrified of me

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swervo513

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
May 10, 2010
482
5
33
Brooklyn Ny
My arowana is terrified of me... I just got him a week ago and he is about 5" long. Whenever I go up to the tank he runs to the opposite side. He is always trying to avoid me. When I back away he comes to the front of the tank to try and observe me but when I come back to the tank he darts away from me again. Anyone know why? I appreciate the advice.

Larry
 
I think he's just acclimating to his new environment. Once he feels more comfortable (likely over the next week) he'll start coming out more and more. And once he starts recognizing you and relating you to food, I think he'll be coming out to see you more.
 
I believe he is just stressed and trying to get comfortable I got a new silver I think about two to three weeks ago and this guy is about 15 inch and trips out like crazy when I get anywhere near the tank. The silver would charge into walls and stuff. Right now it got better still freaks out but not as much. so I would say just give him some time to get use to you
 
Once he associates you with food and not as a threat. Try not to really spook him in the meantime.
 
They're just like that. Especially when they're small. They're curious, but they take awhile to get used to you.

You should keep fairly dim lighting and walk very slowly and softly up to the tank. Vibrations from the floor will actually spook them, and they can run into stuff and injure themselves. When you feed make sure to move slowly as to not startle him. Eventually he will realize that you're no threat and you're just there to bring food.

It can also help if you sit calmly near the tank and very still for a little while, several times per day. They're very observant so he'll watch you and eventually realize you mean no harm.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. He is very observant and curious but I feel like he as gotten more scared over the past week. Hopefully that starts to subside. He sure does eat so eventually he will realize that I am the one that is feeding him. I must say that he is the most intelligent non-cichlid I have ever owned.
 
Eventually he will come to associate you with food and settle down, but keep in mind that they are easily-spooked fish, by nature. They often get spooked and jump. be careful.
 
yeah my three silvers were terrified of me when i got them... now that they know i am the one that gives them food, they dont swim away in terror.
 
It would help if you got a chair and sat near the tank for at least a few minutes each day. He'll quickly realize you're not a threat. Usually.
 
I've had my aro for almost a year and he's still jumpy sometimes. I started holding his shrimps at the surface and making him come get it from me. He's been darting away less when I approach the aquarium now.
 
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