Keeping monster fish as pets has become a thrilling hobby among fish enthusiasts in the USA. These sizable aquatic creatures bring a touch of the exotic into home aquariums, captivating both owners and visitors alike with their striking appearances and fascinating behaviors. But with their impressive size comes a need for special care, from spacious tanks to specific diets. If you’re considering adding a monster fish to your collection, it’s essential to understand their needs and characteristics. Below, we explore ten of the most popular monster fish that fish lovers in the USA are keeping as pets — and why these giants are stealing the spotlight.
Arowana: The Majestic Swimmer
Arowanas are often considered the crown jewels of monster fish. With their sleek, metallic scales and graceful swimming patterns, they are a sight to behold. Known for their intelligence, these fish can even learn to recognize their owners. However, due to their territorial nature, they require a spacious tank to thrive. Arowanas can grow up to 3 feet long, making them one of the larger species in home aquariums. They are carnivorous and prefer a diet of live prey, such as insects and smaller fish. Due to their jumping ability, a securely covered tank is essential to keep them contained.
Oscars: The Interactive Companion
Oscars are a favorite among monster fish enthusiasts due to their interactive and playful nature. They are known to recognize their owners and may even allow themselves to be hand-fed, making them a joy to observe. Typically growing to about 12-14 inches, Oscars require a tank that provides plenty of space for movement. These fish thrive in warmer water temperatures and have a varied diet, including pellets and live food. Their vibrant colors and patterns make them an attractive addition to any aquarium. However, they can be aggressive, so careful consideration of tank mates is crucial.
Pacu: The Vegetarian Giant
Pacu fish are often mistaken for their carnivorous relatives, piranhas, but they have a much gentler disposition. Known for their robust bodies and human-like teeth, Pacus can grow up to 3 feet in length. They are unique in that they primarily consume a plant-based diet, making them an interesting choice for those looking to diversify their aquarium. Pacus are social creatures and do well in groups, but their size demands a large tank. Despite their vegetarian tendencies, they can cohabitate with other large fish species, provided there is ample space.
Redtail Catfish: The Gentle Giant
Redtail Catfish are sought after for their striking appearance and peaceful demeanor. With their vibrant red tails and long whiskers, they are a visually stunning addition to any tank. These fish can grow to an impressive size, often reaching lengths of up to 4 feet. Redtail Catfish are nocturnal and prefer a diet of meaty foods. Due to their size, they require a substantial tank with plenty of hiding spots to simulate their natural habitat. Though gentle, they can inadvertently harm smaller fish, so they are best kept with other large species.
Clown Knife Fish: The Graceful Predator
The Clown Knife Fish is known for its distinctive, knife-like body shape and unique swimming style. This fish is a nocturnal predator, preferring to feed at night on live prey like small fish and insects. Clown Knife Fish can grow up to 3 feet long, necessitating a large tank with minimal lighting to mimic their natural environment. While they may start out shy, they can become more outgoing over time. Their striking appearance and intriguing behavior make them a popular choice for those looking to add an element of mystery to their aquarium.
Peacock Bass: The Colorful Contender
Peacock Bass are cherished for their vibrant colors and aggressive feeding habits. These fish can reach up to 3 feet in length and are known for their voracious appetites. They thrive in warm water and require a diet rich in live prey. Peacock Bass are highly territorial, so they need a spacious tank with plenty of room to swim. Their stunning appearance, reminiscent of a peacock’s feathers, makes them a standout in any aquarium setting. While they can be challenging to care for, their beauty and personality make them a rewarding addition.
Giant Gourami: The Peaceful Herbivore
Giant Gouramis are known for their gentle nature and ease of care, making them a great choice for beginner monster fish keepers. They are herbivores, with a preference for leafy greens and plant-based foods. Growing up to 2 feet in length, these fish require a substantial tank with plenty of vegetation. Giant Gouramis are known for their intelligence and can even be taught simple tricks. Their calm demeanor allows them to coexist with a variety of tank mates, provided the environment is spacious enough to accommodate their size.
Snakehead Fish: The Ferocious Hunter
Snakehead fish are known for their aggressive nature and impressive hunting skills. These predatory fish can grow up to 3 feet long and require a diet high in protein. Snakeheads are known for their powerful jaws and sharp teeth, making them formidable hunters. They are best kept in a species-only tank due to their aggressive tendencies. Snakeheads are also known for their ability to breathe air, allowing them to survive in low-oxygen environments. Their unique appearance and predatory behavior make them a captivating, albeit challenging, addition to any aquarium.
Jaguar Cichlid: The Spotted Beauty
Jaguar Cichlids are admired for their striking spotted patterns and robust build. These fish can grow up to 16 inches long and are known for their territorial nature. They require a large tank with plenty of hiding spots to feel secure. Jaguar Cichlids are carnivorous, thriving on a diet of live food and high-quality pellets. Their aggressive behavior means they are best kept with other large, similarly aggressive fish. Despite their feisty nature, they are a favorite among monster fish enthusiasts for their beauty and bold personality.
Electric Eel: The Shocking Wonder
Electric Eels are one of the most fascinating monster fish to keep, known for their ability to generate electric shocks. These fish can grow up to 8 feet long, requiring a specialized tank to accommodate their size and unique needs. Electric Eels use their electrical abilities for hunting and navigation, making them a unique spectacle in any aquarium. They are carnivorous, preferring a diet of fish and invertebrates. While they can be challenging to care for, their intriguing abilities and appearance make them a sought-after addition for experienced aquarists.
In conclusion, keeping monster fish as pets can be a rewarding experience, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of these large and often exotic creatures. Each species comes with its own set of requirements and challenges, so understanding their needs is crucial for providing a healthy and stimulating environment. Whether you’re drawn to the majestic Arowana or the intriguing Electric Eel, these monster fish can bring a sense of wonder and excitement to any home aquarium in the USA.
Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.
