What to do if the arowana refuses to eat? ——Comprehensive analysis of causes and solutions
Recently, among the hot topics in the field of pet breeding, the problem of arowana's food refusal has attracted much attention. Many keepers reported that the arowana suddenly stopped eating, causing concern. This article will combine the hot discussions on the entire Internet in the past 10 days to conduct a structured analysis of the reasons and countermeasures for Arowana's refusal to eat, and help breeders solve the problem scientifically.
1. Common reasons why arowana refuses to eat

According to breeding forums and expert opinions, the main reasons why arowana refuses to eat can be summarized into the following categories:
| Reason type | Specific performance | Proportion (case statistics) |
|---|---|---|
| water quality issues | Abnormal pH value and excessive ammonia nitrogen | 35% |
| environmental changes | New tank, light adjustment | 25% |
| disease factors | Enteritis, parasitic infection | 20% |
| feed problem | Single food, spoiled bait | 15% |
| other factors | Breeding period, stress response | 5% |
2. Targeted solutions
1. Water quality management
Immediately detect water quality parameters. The ideal range should be: water temperature 28-30°C, pH 6.5-7.5, and ammonia nitrogen <0.02mg/L. If the water quality is abnormal, the water needs to be changed in stages (no more than 1/3 each time), and nitrifying bacteria preparations must be added.
2. Environmental adjustment
Arowanas newly added to the tank need to rest for 3-5 days, keeping the environment dark; avoid sudden changes to the landscaping or frequent interruptions. You can refer to the following environmental parameters:
| Project | Standard value | Allowed fluctuation range |
|---|---|---|
| Light duration | 8 hours/day | ±1 hour |
| water flow intensity | medium | Slow flow-strong flow transition |
| shelter space | at least 1 | 2-3 is better |
3. Disease treatment
If accompanied by symptoms such as white stools and body surface ulcers, it is recommended to:
① Raise the temperature to 32℃ and keep it for 3 days
② Use arowana-specific enteritis medicine (such as norfloxacin-containing preparations)
③ In severe cases, medicinal bath treatment is required (reference dosage: 5g salt/liter of water)
4. Feed improvement
Try a variety of bait combinations:
| Bait type | Feeding frequency | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| live bait | 2-3 times/week | Needs disinfection |
| frozen bait | 3-4 times/week | Defrost completely |
| artificial feed | Daily alternation | Choose floating feed |
3. Suggestions for handling special situations
1. Refusal to feed during breeding period:Male arowanas may not eat for 1-2 weeks while protecting their eggs. This is normal and the water quality needs to be kept stable.
2. Stress response:After being frightened, it is recommended to use vitamin C (5mg/L water) to relieve it, and avoid feeding for 3 days.
4. Preventive measures
Establish a scientific feeding log and record the following key data:
| record items | Frequency | normal reference value |
|---|---|---|
| Food intake | daily | 2-3% of body weight |
| swimming state | daily observation | Active patrol |
| Water quality testing | 2 times a week | Meet the aforementioned standards |
Through systematic analysis, it can be seen that the food resistance of Arowana is mostly caused by controllable factors. Breeders need to be patient, and they can usually recover after 5-7 days of scientific conditioning. If you continue not to eat for more than 10 days, it is recommended to consult a professional aquatic veterinarian.
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