Northern saratoga

Scleropages jardinii

Crescent scale marks and an arched forehead; strongly territorial

Silvery olive-brown sides carry reddish crescent marks; rear fins have fine red speckles.

Adult length: About 55 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 24–30 °C
Lifespan: 10–20 years

Natural habitat: Adults inhabit still stream reaches and swamps, usually near the surface or among shoreline plants.

A large territorial fish.

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Appearance and identification

A freshwater fish from northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Its posterior dorsal and anal fins are less elongated than those of the South American silver arowana. Crescent scale marks and a convex forehead contrast with the southern form’s dots and straighter profile.