Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the Asian arowana dragon fish and keeping this beauty in your aquarium!
Table of Contents
Quick Information
Aspect | Details |
Scientific Name | Scleropages formosus (Asian Arowana), Osteoglossum bicirrhosum (Silver Arowana), Osteoglossum ferreirai (Black Arowana), Scleropages jardini (Jardini Arowana) |
Common Names | Asian bonytongue fish, dragon fish, golden arowana, silver arowana fish, arowana blood red |
Lifespan | Up to 20 years (some reports suggest nearly 50 years in captivity) |
Tank Size | Minimum 150–300 gallons, larger for adults (up to 800 gallons recommended) |
Diet | Carnivorous: high-quality pellets, live/frozen shrimp, fish, insects |
Temperament | Solitary, territorial, can be aggressive |
Cultural Significance | Symbol of luck, wealth, and prosperity in Asian cultures |
Cost | $300–$300,000 depending on variety and rarity |
Why the Asian Arowana Is Called the Dragon Fish?
The Asian arowana dragon fish (Scleropages formosus) earns its mythical nickname from its striking resemblance to the Chinese dragon. With its long, sinuous body, large metallic scales, and whisker-like barbels, it’s easy to see why this fish is revered. Native to Southeast Asia’s blackwater rivers and swamps, the Asian bonytongue fish embodies grace and power, undulating through the water like a dragon in flight. In Chinese culture, dragons symbolize strength, prosperity, and good fortune, making this fish a prized possession for aquarists and collectors alike.
- Cultural Connection: The dragon-like appearance, with reflective scales and flowing fins, ties it to Feng Shui, where it’s believed to balance yin and yang energies in an aquarium.
- Historical Roots: Described in 1840 by German naturalists, its ancient lineage traces back 140 million years, adding to its mystique.
What Are the Different Varieties of Arowana?
The varieties of arowana are diverse, each with unique colors and origins. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types:
- Green Arowana: Found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, this variety has a dark green back and silvery sides. It’s the most common and affordable.
- Silver Arowana Fish (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum): Native to South America’s Amazon, this fish boasts pearly-silver scales and grows up to 39 inches. It’s less expensive than Asian varieties.
- Golden Arowana: Includes subtypes like the Cross Back Golden (Malaysia) and Red-Tailed Golden (Indonesia). The golden arowana is prized for its shimmering gold scales, especially the 24K variety.
- Arowana Blood Red (Super Red): Known for its vibrant crimson hue, this variety from Indonesia’s Kapuas River is a collector’s dream.
- Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai): Native to Brazil’s Rio Negro, it has a darker, subtler sheen and a slender body.
- Jardini Arowana (Scleropages jardini): From Australia, this smaller species has a striking scale pattern but is known for aggression.
Each variety has its own charm, but availability and legality vary by region due to conservation laws.
How Much Does an Arowana Cost?
The arowana cost can leave your jaw on the floor. Prices range from a few hundred dollars to a staggering $300,000 for rare specimens like albino or arowana blood red varieties. Here’s what influences the price:
- Rarity: Unique colors like the golden arowana or super red fetch higher prices due to limited supply.
- Size and Age: Larger, mature fish cost more, with some reaching $9,000 for a single adult.
- Breeding: Captive-bred fish from certified farms are legal but still pricey due to demand.
- Market: In Asia, especially China, cultural demand drives prices sky-high.
For example, a young silver arowana fish might cost $300–$1,000, while a premium golden arowana could set you back $70,000 or more. Always check local regulations, as Asian arowanas are banned in places like the U.S. due to their endangered status.
What’s the Smallest Arowana You Can Keep?
The smallest arowana is typically the Jardini Arowana (Scleropages jardini), native to Australia and New Guinea. It grows to about 24–30 inches, smaller than the silver arowana fish (up to 39 inches) or Asian varieties (up to 35 inches). However, “small” is relative—these fish still need massive tanks.
- Tank Size: Even for a Jardini, a 150–250-gallon tank is the minimum to accommodate its active swimming.
- Growth Rate: Juveniles grow 2 inches per month in their first year, so plan for rapid expansion.
- Care Tip: Ensure a secure lid, as these fish are notorious jumpers.
What Should You Feed an Arowana?
The arowana diet is all about satisfying their carnivorous instincts. In the wild, they hunt insects, small fish, and crustaceans, so their captive diet should mimic this:
- High-Quality Pellets: Choose carnivore-specific pellets to provide balanced nutrition.
- Live/Frozen Foods: Shrimp, fish fillets, crickets, and worms stimulate natural hunting behavior. Avoid feeder fish to prevent disease.
- Feeding Schedule: Feed juveniles 2–3 times daily, adults 1–2 times. Overfeeding can cause swim bladder issues.
- Variety: Mix foods to ensure nutritional balance and prevent boredom.
Pro Tip: Quarantine live foods to avoid introducing parasites like Ich.
Do Arowana Fish Jump Out of Tanks?
Yes, do arowana fish jump? Absolutely, and it’s a big deal. Arowanas are notorious for leaping out of water to catch prey, sometimes soaring 6 feet in the wild! In aquariums, this behavior can lead to injury or escape.
- Secure Lid: Use a fitted, heavy aquarium hood to prevent jumps.
- Environment: Keep tanks in quiet areas away from sudden lights or vibrations that startle them.
- Tank Size: A spacious tank (300+ gallons) reduces stress-induced jumping.
Which Arowana Is the Most Aggressive?
Which arowana is aggressive? Arowanas are solitary and territorial, but some stand out:
- Jardini Arowana: Known for its feisty demeanor, it’s less tolerant of tank mates.
- Asian Arowana: Males, especially, display territorial behavior, particularly during breeding.
- Silver Arowana: Generally more docile but can still dominate smaller fish.
Care Tip: House arowanas alone or with large, bottom-dwelling fish like catfish to avoid conflicts.
Why Is the Arowana Fish Considered Good Luck?
The arowana fish for good luck belief stems from its dragon-like appearance and Feng Shui associations. In Chinese culture, it’s thought to attract wealth, health, and prosperity:
- Feng Shui: Water represents chi, and arowanas add yang energy to balance it.
- Mythology: Stories claim arowanas leap from tanks to warn owners of danger, acting as protectors.
- Symbolism: Red and gold varieties, like the arowana blood red and golden arowana, symbolize vitality and abundance.
How may good fortune happen using Arowana fish in Feng Shui?
- Arowana fish, also known as the golden dragon, is a lucky charm for financial success and wealth.
- Some people keep Arowana fish in their homes or workplaces to bring fortune.
- Some Arowana fish are purchased as art and décor due to their care requirements or limited area.
- Basic Feng Shui placement rules should be followed when keeping Arowana fish at home.
- The luckiest Feng Shui charm is an Arowana fish holding a coin in its mouth.
- The ideal spot for this charm is facing north and east.
What Is a 24K Gold Arowana?
What is 24K gold arowana? This is the creme de la creme of the golden arowana family, specifically the Cross Back Golden from Malaysia. Its scales shimmer with a full, metallic gold hue that covers the body up to the back, resembling gold bars.
- Price: Can cost $10,000–$70,000 due to rarity and demand.
- Care: Requires pristine water conditions and a large tank to maintain its vibrant color.
- Appeal: Prized for its stunning appearance and Feng Shui benefits.
Which Arowana Is the Best for Your Aquarium?
Which arowana is best? It depends on your budget, experience, and tank setup:
- Beginners: Silver arowana fish—affordable, less demanding, and legal in many regions.
- Collectors: Arowana blood red or golden arowana for prestige and beauty, but they’re costly and require expertise.
- Space Constraints: Jardini Arowana, the smallest arowana, for slightly smaller tanks.
Pro Tip: Always verify local laws, as Asian arowanas are restricted in places like the U.S.
What’s the Deal with the Arowana Blood Red Variety?
The arowana blood red (Super Red) is a showstopper from Indonesia’s Kapuas River. Its deep crimson scales make it one of the most sought-after varieties.
- Rarity: Found only in specific regions, driving up costs ($10,000–$300,000).
- Care: Hardy but needs excellent water quality and a varied diet to maintain color.
- Cultural Value: A top choice for Feng Shui enthusiasts due to its vibrant red hue.
Must-Know Tips for Arowana Care
Here are some magical tips to keep your arowana thriving:
- Tank Setup: Minimum 150 gallons for juveniles, 300–800 gallons for adults. Prioritize length and width over height.
- Water Quality: Maintain pH 6.5–7.5, low nitrates, and strong circulation to mimic their natural habitat. Use test kits regularly.
- Health Watch: Monitor for swim bladder issues and parasites like Ich. Clean water and a balanced diet are key.
- Tank Mates: Avoid small fish; opt for large, peaceful bottom-dwellers like plecos.
- Enrichment: Add driftwood or plants to mimic their natural environment, but keep the tank open for swimming.
Curious Queries About Arowanas
The albino Asian arowana or arowana blood red can fetch up to $300,000 due to their rarity and cultural significance.
Jardini Arowanas are the most aggressive, followed by territorial male Asian arowanas.
It’s a premium Cross Back Golden Arowana with full-body gold scales, costing $10,000–$70,000.
For beginners, the silver arowana fish is ideal; for collectors, the golden arowana or arowana blood red shines.
To Be Continued…
The world of arowanas is vast and enchanting, and we’ve only scratched the surface!
Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll dive into advanced tank setups and breeding tips for these majestic dragon fish.
Want to learn how to create a Feng Shui-inspired aquarium or explore other exotic species? Keep following for more aquatic adventures!
