Table Of ContentGREAT STARTING POINT FOR BEGINNERS AND EXPLOSIVE TIPS THAT
EVEN SEASONED AROWANA OWNERS WILL DROP THEIR JAWS AT!
AROWANA SECRETS
REVEALED!
WHAT CHAMPION BREEDERS DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW.
ASIAN AROWANA:
ORIGIN AND CLASSIFICATION
The Asian Arowana (Scleropages Formosus) signifies luck, fortune and well-being by the Chinese in South-
east Asia. Entirely carnivorous, it is a cultural icon that represents grace and longevity while also respected
for its aggression and stature - earning it the title of Dragon Fish. To the Chinese, the Arowana is one of
the few "fengshui" fishes. If the fish is well taken care of, they believe it brings them good fortune in return
and wards off unpleasant events. Auspicious fishes like the Arowana are thought to infuse life-giving "yang"
energy to water.
The Asian Arowana is currently an endangered species and is bred under license and close monitoring
by the Asian agricultural authorities. Each fish exported outside of Asia is microchipped and certified for
transport. Because of overfishing, gold, green, red and yellow Asian Arowanas are highly sought after and
are endangered. They are protected under the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (C.I.T.I.E.S.).
Relatives of the Asian Arowana like the New Guinea Spotted Arowana (Scleropages Leichardti) and the
Australian Pearl Arowana (Scleropages Jardini) are not endangered and are priced more affordably. But
it is important to highlight that in general, Arowana enthusiasts only go after the Asian Arowana due to its
exclusivity. Other types of Arowanas that are classified as non-endangered includes Silver Arowana and
the Black Arowana. Both originate from South America and are often found in the wild.
In our next section, I'm going to explain and show the different types of Asian Arowanas and how you can
differentiate the valuable Asian Arowana from the common Australian or South American Arowanas.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASIAN AROWANA
GOLD VARIETY
Cross back golden
Red tail golden Arowana
RED VARIETY
• Super red
Each of these varieties has developed completely independently from the others, with each color originating
from a different location in Asia.
Green Arowana - found in Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
• Banjar Red - Banjar Nasin
• Red Tail Golden - Sumatra
• Golden Crossback - Malaysia
Tong Yang - Hybrid between Golden Crossback and Red Grade 1
ANATOMY OF AN AROWANA
DGRSAL FIN
LATERAL LINE
OPERCULUM
EYE
BARBEL
CAUDAL FIN
CAUDAL PEDUNCLE
ANAL FIN
VENT
PECTORAL FIN
LOWER JAW
SPOTTING THE ASIAN AROWANA
Asian arowana or Dragon fish or Asian bonytongue refers to several varieties of freshwater fish in the genus
Scleropages.
Native to Southeast Asia, Asian Arowanas inhabit blackwater rivers, slow-moving waters flowing through
forested swamps and wetlands. Adults feed on other fish, while juveniles feed on insects.
These popular aquarium fish have special cultural significance in areas influenced by Chinese culture. The
name dragon fish stems from their resemblance to the Chinese dragon.
Asian arowana scales are large (most over 2 cm in length) and have a delicate net pattem. Asian arowanas
grow up to 90 cm (35 in) total length. Like all Scleropages, Asian arowanas have long bodies; large, elongate
pectoral fins; dorsal and anal fins located far back on the body; and a much larger caudal fin than that of their
South American relative, the silver arowana, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum. The mouth is oblique with a very
wide gap. The prominent lower jaw has two barbels at its tip. The gill rakers are stout. Asian arowanas bear
teeth on the jaws, vomer, palatines, pterygoids, parasphenoid, and tongue.
Asian arowana scales are large, cycloid, and, in some species, metallic coloured, with a distinctive mosaic
pattern of raised ribs. The lateral scales are arranged in horizontal rows numbered from the most ventral
(first level) to the most dorsal (fifth level), with dorsal scales designated the sixth leveL
COLORS OF THE ASIAN AROWANA
RED-TAIL GOLDEN AROWANAS
This is found in Pekanbaru of Indonesia. The scales are copper-gold in color with some purplish shine. The
back of the fish are dark in color, ranging grey, and brown to black. The tail color have 1/3 to 2/3 divisions,
the top 1/3 are dark in color and the bottom 2/3 have purplish-red to brownish-red color. The dorsal(back)
fin and the anac(near the anus) fin color follow the 1/3 and 2/3 of the tail color respectively.
Size 4" to 6" fetches $488 to $588.
I
CROSSBACK GOLDEN AROWANAS
This is found in Malaysia and sometime called Malayan Bonytongue, Taiping Golden, Malaysian Gold or
the Pahang Gold. The Golden Crossback Arowanas originate in various regions in Malaysia:
Perak
Trengganu
Bukit Merah Lake
Johor
I
It has golden scales to the fourth column and pinkish abdomen when young.
When the fish grow up, the golden scales will escalate to the fifth
column (hence the term cross-back) and the pink abdomen
disappear. The scales may have different base colors such
^
as gold, silver or blue - with blue being the rarest. The
^
scales can also be divided into thin or thick golden
frame. Thin frame scales bluebase crossback
gold are one of the most demanded arowana
and hence often the most expensive. A
,
heightened demand for the Gold Arowana
/
is due to an ever increasing
—-••^
market demand and declining number of
eggs per spawn.
The Golden Crossback Arowana has a larger
head and a shorter more stout-looking body as
compared to the rest of the Asian Arowanas,
making it look stiffer and more rigid when in motion.
Once it matures, the Gold Arowana develops a vibrant
rim of gold around each scale. It is not uncommon to find
enthusiasts nicknaming it the "24K Gold". As the Chinese believe that gold is a
prosperous color, this adds to the Gold Arowana's popularity.
Exposure to the sun outdoors will give the Golden Crossback Arowana a darker top row of scales so for
first time owners to have positioned their fish tanks near a window or at a spot with sunlight, this is usually
a concern when the color of their Arowana changes. However, it is as important to note that this is only
temporary and that the color can return after 3-4 months after the fish is removed from sunlight and is in
a tank with dark surroundings.
Golden Crossback Arowanas can also be further sub-categorized into a few classes based on the core
color of its scales (aka Scale Base). When viewed from far, the scale base is more prominent as it covers
a larger surface area of the Arowana. The scales of young crossbacks (roughly 12-20cm) have a purple
base so differentiating them when they are young is difficult. A minority will have blue, green or gold base.
Gold base younglings are very valuable as the color intensifies as they mature into a solid gold.
SUB-CATEGORIES
Metallic sheen - "Metallic Blue", "Platinum"
Bluish-Green - "Emerald Blue"
Deep Blue - "Bukit Merah Blue"
Look out for Golden Crossback Arowanas with a lighter colored fins and scales. Whem you are looking
at the Arowana from far, it should look gold rather than blue or purple. The rim outside of the black area
of its eye will be usually yellowish. If a crossback has a red eye, there is a high chance that it will not be
a golden Arowana.
Arowanas are usually graded by their breeders according to their color intensity and the speed at which
their color saturates to the 5th level scales.
WILD VERSUS BRED AROWANAS
Some wild crossbacks interbreed to give rise to offsprings that have the color of neither parent. Wild Arowa-
nas tend to have more rounded heads and longer barbels compared to farmed Arowanas
PRICING
A standard Gold Crossback Arowana costs 4-5 times more than the red tail. The Platinum Crossback, how-
ever, costs twice as much as a standard Golden CrossbackArowana due to its rarity and uniqueness.
Size 4° to 6" fetches $2288 to $4888.
Adults fetch from $10,000 to $50,000.
BUYER'S TIP : CHOOSING A GOOD
QUALITY CROSSBACK AROWANA!
There is no sure way to get a good Arowana but even the experts have a few tips up their sleeves to make
their decision easier. We've talked to a couple of champion Arowana breeders and got previous morsels of
tips to make your choice a whole lot painless.
Let's begin with the basics. Firstly, make sure that the Arowana you have your eyes on is indeed a
crossback. When the Arowana is between 15-20cm long, it should have already begun to display
coloration near its dorsal fin. The dorsal fin is the 5th row of scales counting bottom up from its
belly. Secondly, the fins near its tail must be clearly defined. Any Arowana over the length of 20cm
and does not display any of the above two features is probably not a crossback.
The scales should be reflective and brightly colored. In the eyes of enthusiasts, this reflects quality
and aesthetics. A good quality blue-based crossback will have a deep blue shine on the surface
area of the scales. This should include the full surface area of the scale and not just around the
rims. Golden Crossback Arowanas generally have a lighter overall color and a distinctive golden
rim when it is young.
A good quality crossback should have a long and broad body that looks muscular. Arowanas are
prized for their aggressive nature and their grand stance and this explains why top tier Arowanas
must look broad and thick. It should also have balanced and large fins that suit the size of its body.
The Arowana's 3 fins should also be large and constantly fanned out with dark and broad black
markings on them.
Fins should be either orange or black with the gill plates and scales smooth and brightly colored.
Also look out for possible bands of gold markings at the mouth and above the eyes. An adolescent
Arowana (20cm and above) may have rare gold markings on its lower jaw.
When you are buying a Golden CrossbackArowana, it helps to know beforehand whether you
prefer thick or thin scales. Blue-based Arowanas normally have a thinner scales compared to the
gold-based ones.
*
There is also the existence of the Red-Tailed Golden Arowana. Known as the Sumatra or Indonesian
Golden, the difference with the Red Tail Golden Arowana is that its gold scales only reaches up to its 4th
row. The 5th and 6th row will tend to have a dark top. This generally makes the Red Tail Golden Arowana
less valuable compared to its Golden Crossback counterpart. They are also called High Backs in certain
circles. It is important to take note of this differentiation so that you don't end up paying for a Crossback
that ends up being a High Back. A High Back will usually not have its coloration reach its 5th or 6th level.
The best Red Tail Goldens in terms of value to enthusiasts would be one with a deep golden base color
which extends to the 5th row. The fins should also be dark red in color and evenly saturated.
When young, it is often more difficult to spot a Red Tail Golden from a Golden Crossback but as the
Arowana matures, it becomes more prominent. The red Tail has a smaller head and a longer body.
The overall size is also often larger than a matured Crossback. The gold color on a Red Tail Golden is
also duller and less saturated compared to a Golden Crossback. Its scales are less neatly defined and
less reflective. The dorsal, anal and tail fins, however, are similarly colored for both Red Tail Golden
and Golden Crossback Arowanas. Usually, the dorsal fins are usually dark green or black and the top
one-third of the tail fin and the rest of the fins are orange-red in color.
Generally, it is only possible to accurately differentiate between the Red Tail Golden and the Golden
Crossback only when the Arowana is between 12-15cm long. At this stage of maturity, a good quality
Crossback will begin to exhibit coloration at the base of its dorsal fin.
The Red Tail Golden is the more aggressive of the two and is more difficult to breed in an Arowana com-
munity tank.
Depending on the river that the Arowana originates from, they may show slight diffferences in color. Red
Tail Golden Arowanas from the Tapung and Siak rivers near Pekanbaru, Sumatra, have a dark top area
that is smaller compared to those from the Kanpar River. These have a larger dark top. Arowanas from
the Rokan and Bangko rivers usually have redder fins compared to the rest.
Captive breeding and inter-species mixing have also gave rise to a 1.5 grade. The difference between
a full-fledge Red Tail Golden and the 1.5 grade is that unlike the red Tail Golden, the 1.5 grade will not
have any golden tinge on its scale rim and part of its gill cover. In the long run, most Arowana enthusiasts
usually recommend forking out that extra bit of cash to buy the Red Tail Golden.
RED AROWANAS
The Red Arowana is found in Kalimantan and Sumatra of Indonesia, it originates from various parts of West-
ern Kalimantan and among these areas are the River Kapuas and Lake Sentarum. Lake Santarum is often
regarded as the home of the Super Red. Although not the most expensive, the Super Red is often regarded
as the most popular type of Asian Arowana kept by most Arowana enthusrasts Its value is greater increased
among Chinese Arowana owners because red is considered an auspicious color n the Chinese culture. It is
also very popular because the Red Arowana is considerably cheaper than the Golden Crossback so more
households and businesses tend to invest in one for luck and prosperity.
From young to adult, pure bred Red Arowanas go through a few stages in color development to achieve
their eventual color. In the first stage, small yellow dots will appear on the scale rims. These will saturate
into orange dots and subsequently, they will expand and join together, covering the whole outline of the
scales. This stage of orange scales may last a few years before it eventually deepens in color and changes
into red. Finally, the color of the gill cover will develop into patches of red, gold or silver.
To help bring out the deepest red in the Red Arowana, a diet rich in red beta-carotene will greatly contribute
to achieve this goal. Live feed such as shrimps and prawns contains beta-carotene that will encourage color
development. Other important factors include bloodline, water quality and sunlight. Arowanas that are kept
indoors away from direct sunlight should be exposed to a few hours of indoor light each day.
In recent years, the Red Arowana has been crossbred with the red tail golden, the green or yellow tail to
achieve the 1.5 grade Red. The 1.5 grade looks like a green or yellow tail except for the fact that it has red
fins. 1.5 grade Reds are usually valued lesser than the Red Arowanas for two reasons. Firstly, crossbreeding
begins at three years for the 1.5 grade Red but for the Red Tail Arowana, this takes five years instead. They
cost less but the red color in their fins tend to fade away over time, leaving the owner with an Arowana that
looks very similar to a Green or Yellow Tail.
They can be divided into 1st grade red and 2nd grade red. 1st grade red can have different color intensity
ranging from yellow to orange to red to blood-red and chili-red. The higher intensity red is more desirable
and often commands a very high price. It is often difficult to differentiate 1st grade red from 2nd grade red
when the fish is young.
Young 1 st grade red's tail and anal fin have intense red color and their scales are shiny gold in color with
some green at the base.
Super Reds are usually called the 1st grade reds because its gill cover, back fins and scales become a
solid uniform red when it has matured. This usually takes up to 6 years so that's why Super Reds are of
great value. The long maturity wait and the auspicious color of the fish explain the high price it fetches.
In recent years, however, there has been an oversupply of Super Reds and its market price has dropped
drastically.
Arowana enthusiasts and aquarium owners have started to further classify the Super Red into two catego-
ries - the Blood Red and Chili Red. This classification is not recognized by everyone but is steadily gaining
acceptance. Here's how you can differentiate between the two:
The Blood Red is very common and fetches a lower price compared to the Chili Red because it fully devel-
ops its red color as early as 3 years old. The Blood Red has a smaller head and mouth with smaller eyes.
The tail is wide open and fan shaped. When it is young, the Bloody Red has a shine that resembles a
Crossback Golden.
The Chili Red has a broader shape, more pointed head and mouth and larger eyes and fins. Its scales also
have a more obvious green core and metallic shine. The tail fin is usually outward pointing and is diamond
shaped. Some Chili Reds may have a hump or spoon head on their back. The Chili Red commands a higher
price tag because it takes 2 years more to reach its full color potential, compared to the blood red. However,
the color it is able to develop is very often richer and more saturated. Its red-framed scales are also thinner
than the bloody red's.
Size 4" to 6" fetches $1388 to $2800.
Adults fetch from $10,000 to $88,888.
GREEN AROWANAS
Green Arowanas are found in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Generally, the Green Arowana looks best
when it is young. The scales are not bright and often translucent with some grey or green color. The coloj;
is even throughout the body (i.e. no dark-top). The tail can be grey, purplish-grey
or green in color. The best quality ones are those who exhibit a
--—
dark purplish tinge at the core of its scales. This fish
is generally shorter than its Asian relatives.
This is also the most affordable Asian
arowana due to its
widespread availability
and least
- ^ ^ B
attractive colors.
The Green Arowana is easily
distinguished from the other
types by a few unique features:
it has translucent scales, and a
larger and rounder head and mouth.
Its back fins are brownish and it has a more
prominent lateral line set.
Because the Green Arowana is relatively tame, many
owners have had success in breeding them. If you are intending To"CTi^
e Green Arowana, its tame
nature also helps to increase the success rate since you will be able to place them in groups of 8 to 20
The Green Arowana comes highly recommended for any owners looking for an afforda""'
community tank of Asian Arowanas.
Size 4" to 6" fetches $138 to $188.
1
BUYER'S TIP : DIFFERENTIATING THE ASIAN,
S.AMERICAN AND AUSTRALIAN AROWANA!
Asian arowanas are distinguished from Australian congenencs S. jardinii and S. leichardti by having fewer
(21-26) lateral line scales (versus 32-36 for the Australian species), longer pectoral and pelvic fins, and a
longer anterior snout.
SOUTH AMERICAN AROWANA
•
m
AUSTRALIAN AROWANA
v
'//
ASIAN AROWANA
r
BUYER'S TIP : DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A
1ST AND 2ND GRADE RED AROWANA!
Although the red Arowana is divided to 1st and 2nd grade based on the eventual color of the scales, they
are still the same fish. The last situation you want to find yourself in is one where you end up thinking you
have paid for a 1st grade red Arowana, but got a 2nd grade instead. There have been cases where some
buyers were cheated over their purchase of a red Arowana. This is generally not a problem if you are buying
an adult red Arowana because the actual color of the scales would have been fully determined by then but
when the Red Arowana is young and still in its growth stage, it is hard to tell the difference.
But I will give a few small points to look out when buying a Red Arowana.
V,
v
SPOTTING A 1 ST GRADE RED AROWANA
The 1st Grade Arowana, when matured, will turn to red or chili-red with shiny scales. The challenge in
telling apart a 1st and 2nd grade red Arowana when young ( 4 - 5 inches) is that the color of the scales are
not fully developed and predicting the eventual color is almost impossible. The 1st grade red Arowana's
mouth is longer and sharper than a 2nd Grade. Its scales are shinier and the head is sharper and pointed.
The black-colored scales at the 6th column are in line and straight. The tail and fin are also more reddish.
When matured to roughly over 10 inches, the scales will start to transform to a deeper red.
< t>
SPOTTING A 2ND GRADE RED AROWANA
In contrast, the 2nd grade red Arowana is cheaper but less valued due to its color. Arowanas, in general,
are more prized if the color of the scales is richer and deeply saturated. When it matures, the body will
turn to orange-red or pinkish-red with its scales having less shine. Its mouth is shorter and less outward
curving like the 1st grade red Arowana. Its scales when it is young is dull-colored and uneven. Its head
is not as sharp and pointed. The black-color scales on its back are not as straight and sometimes, will be
out of place. When it has finally matured to over 10 inches, the whole body will turn orange to orange-red
or even worse, remain colorless. Its tail and fin portion will stay orange-red.
KEEPING AN AROWANA
COMMUNITY TANK
Arowanas are by nature, a territorial and aggressive species of fishes. There are only a few types of fishes
that can be left together with Arowanas and even so, co-existence depends highly on the character of the
Arowana.
If you're looking at keeping multiple Arowanas in the same tank, there are a few things you'll need to
know before you start on one. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as just pour them into the same tank with
your fingers crossed. There is some knowledge you can empower yourself with before embarking on this
endeavor.
Firstly, make sure you are getting Arowanas that are about the same age. When happens when you put a
larger Arowana with a smaller one is that the smaller Arowana will be at a disadvantage and may not be
able to defend itself, leading to a higher chance the larger Arowana will "bully" it. You'll want to start them
on equal ground so that no aggressive behavior is encouraged.
The Golden Arowana and its sub-categories, the Red Tail Golden and the Crossback Golden , are notori-
ous for being very aggressive compared to the rest. Avoid putting them together as there will be a high
probably that they will fight to the death. And this is something you'll want to avoid from a financial point
of view because they are among the costliest Arowanas to buy.
Unlike the Golden Arowana varieties, the Red, Green and Yellow tail Arowanas are friendlier and have a
higher chance of peacefully living together. This is especially so if you have a tank big enough to keep 8
to 10 of them together.
Arowanas also exhibit a strong character in each individual. So fishes with similar characteristics will be able
to live together peacefully, even among the more aggressive Golden Arowana varieties. There is no way to
be able to predict the personalities of the Arowanas which is why owners who intend to keep an Arowana
community tank will usually get them when they are younger and then continue to observe the Arowanas for
"character clashes". The troublemaking Arowana is then removed from the tank. Such clashes can be deadly
so immediately action to remove the Arowana is highly recommended.
KEEPING AROWANAS WITH OTHER FISHES
As a guideline, any fish that measures 50 to 60cm is suitable to be reared with an Arowana. However,
the said fish cannot be too docile else it would be at the risk of being bullied by the Arowana. Such fishes
include the Kio, Goldfish and the Angel Fish. Because the Arowana is a surface dweller and a carnivore,
bottom dwellers and herbivores will be great additions to the tank that complements the Arowana. These
includes the Catfish, Giant Gouramis, Knife Fish, Oscars, Parrotfish and Lungfish. This way, unnecessary
competition for space and food can be avoided.
UNDERSTANDING THE BEHAVIOR
OF YOUR AROWANA
BEHAVIOR
1 Opening its mouth to yawn
or gasping for air near water
surface.
MEANING
Relaxing and loosening its jaw
muscles. Possible reasons for
doing so will include:
1) Insufficient dissolved oxygen in
the water
2) Gill fluke
3) Gill rot
4) water contamination caused by
bacteria buildup
5) High chlorine level in the water
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
Such
behavior
is
normal.
Increase air circulation and
change 1/3 of the water every 3
days to a week. Also clean the
filter thoroughly and then apply
the necessary medication to
the fish in the event of gill fluke
or gill rot
2 Darting around in the water.
3 Tries to jump out of the
water.
Exploring and adapting to its new
environment.
Extremely poor water quality
Keep the aquarium light on con-
tinuously for a few days or keep
it off until the fish is used to its
new environment and starts
feeding.
Change the water regularly and
maintain an efficient filtration
system. Alternatively, add black
water extract.
4 Tail-biting.
Refusal to eat with extended
periods of rest.
6 Scrubbing itself against the
aquarium wall.
7 Swimming in an awkward
position (e.g. with its head
or tail down.)
8 Taking deep breaths, show-
ing excessive mouth move-
ment and signs of lethargy.
Could be caused by a combination
of the following:
1) Drooping eyes
2) Reflection of light
3) Bacterial attack
4) Hunger
Possible parasite attack. Cloudy
eyes or mucus discharge may indi-
cate the presence of body slime.
Skin irritation such as ulcer, velvet
disease, fish lice or white spots
caused by parasites and fungi.
Swim bladder disease caused by
bacteria.
Gill infection of attack by internal
parasites.
Turn all lights off or add black
water extract. Immediate treat-
ment is important. In severe
cases, the fish may refuse to
feed and starve itself to death.
Apply the appropriate parasitic
or fungal medication.
H
