Asian Arowana

Asian Arowana: The Majestic Dragon Fish of Southeast Asia

Scientific name: Scleropages formosus
Malay name: Ikan Kelisa

The Asian arowana, also known as the dragon fish due to its striking, elongated body and metallic scales, is one of the most sought-after freshwater fish in the world. Revered in Southeast Asian culture as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and wealth, the Asian arowana is a prized species in the aquarium trade.

Appearance

• Asian arowanas are known for their long, slender bodies and large, shiny scales, which give them a dragon-like appearance. They have a distinct upturned mouth and barbels on their lower jaw, which are sensory organs used to detect prey.
• They come in a variety of colors depending on the specific variety and region they are from, including red, gold, green, silver, and blue. The most famous and expensive varieties include the Super Red and Crossback Golden.
• They can grow up to 90 cm (3 feet) in length in the wild, though they are usually smaller in captivity, averaging about 60-80 cm (2-2.5 feet).

Habitat

• Native to Southeast Asia, the Asian arowana is found in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps across countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia. They prefer blackwater or murky environments with dense vegetation.
• Due to habitat loss and overfishing, wild populations are now endangered, and the species is listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which strictly regulates its trade.

Cultural Significance

• The Asian arowana is often referred to as the “dragon fish” because its body and large scales resemble the mythical Chinese dragon. It is considered a feng shui symbol that brings good luck, wealth, and protection to its owner.
• Many people believe that the fish can detect bad fortune, and some claim their arowanas have jumped out of tanks to “sacrifice” themselves, supposedly absorbing bad luck meant for their owners.

Diet and Feeding

• Asian arowanas are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including small fish, insects, crustaceans, and even birds in the wild. They are known for their ability to jump out of the water to catch prey, sometimes leaping several feet in the air.
• In captivity, they are usually fed a diet of live or frozen fish, shrimp, crickets, and other high-protein foods. They require a protein-rich diet to maintain their vibrant color and health.

Behavior

• Asian arowanas are territorial and generally prefer to live alone. They can be aggressive toward other fish, especially those of similar size, and should not be kept with smaller tankmates, which may be seen as prey.
• They are surface dwellers and spend most of their time swimming near the top of the water, often patrolling their territory.
• Despite their size and strength, they are known to be graceful swimmers, moving with a calm, deliberate motion that adds to their allure in aquariums.

Reproduction

• Asian arowanas are mouthbrooders, meaning the male incubates the fertilized eggs in his mouth until they hatch. After spawning, the male keeps the eggs and later the fry in his mouth for several weeks to protect them.
• The breeding of Asian arowanas in captivity is a complex process, usually requiring large tanks or ponds and ideal water conditions. Because of their endangered status, captive breeding is vital to preserving the species.

Aquarium Requirements

• Keeping an Asian arowana in a home aquarium requires a large tank, typically at least 250-300 gallons, due to their size and active nature. The tank must have a secure lid to prevent the fish from jumping out.
• Water quality is extremely important, as arowanas are sensitive to poor water conditions. The tank should have efficient filtration and be kept clean to avoid stress or disease.
• Low lighting and the addition of driftwood, plants, and a sandy substrate can help replicate their natural habitat and make them feel more at home.

Conservation Status

• The Asian arowana is considered endangered due to habitat destruction, overfishing, and its popularity in the aquarium trade. Wild populations have significantly decreased in the last few decades.
• Many arowanas sold in the aquarium trade are now bred in captivity under strict regulations to protect wild populations. Each legally sold arowana comes with a CITES certificate to verify its origin and legality.

Price and Trade

• Asian arowanas are known to be one of the most expensive aquarium fish in the world, with some varieties, like the Super Red and Crossback Golden, fetching prices as high as $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on their size, color, and rarity.
• Due to their high value, some arowanas are even insured, and their tanks are designed with intricate security measures.

Interesting Facts

• Asian arowanas have a lung-like structure, which allows them to gulp air from the surface, enabling them to survive in low-oxygen environments.
• They are sometimes called the “bony-tongue fish” because of the bony structure on the floor of their mouths, which acts as a second set of jaws to help crush prey.

The Asian arowana is a remarkable and culturally significant fish, admired for its beauty, grace, and symbolism. Whether seen as a living piece of art or a prized possession, it continues to capture the fascination of fish enthusiasts and collectors around the world.