thumb| Heterotis niloticus - [[MHNT]]
The African arowana or Nile arowana (Heterotis niloticus) is a species of bonytongue. Despite being called an "arowana", the African arowana is more closely related to arapaimas, the only other members in the subfamily Arapaiminae, than the South American, Asian, and Australian arowanas in the subfamily Osteoglossinae (Arapaiminae is sometimes considered to be a separate family from Osteoglossidae). Compared to these, the African arowana has a more terminal mouth and is the only one that feeds extensively on plankton.
Description
The African arowana is a long-bodied fish with large scales, long dorsal and anal fins set far back on the body, and a rounded caudal fin. Its height is 3.5 to 5.0 times standard length. It has been reported to reach up to long and weigh up to .]]
African arowana is used locally as a food fish and has been collected in the past for the aquarium trade. It is not aggressive like its relatives. It is aquacultured in its native range, being a very successful culture due to its tolerance for crowding and ease of feeding.