Arowana Fish Types Around The World

 

Arowana fish, often referred to as "dragon fish" due to their long, sleek bodies and shiny, scale-covered appearance, are among the most prized ornamental fish in the aquarium trade. These freshwater fish belong to the family Osteoglossidae and are revered for their beauty, rarity, and cultural significance, particularly in Asia. Here's a detailed overview of the main types of arowana:

1. Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus)

Subtypes

Asian arowanas are highly sought after and come in several color varieties:

Red Arowana (Super Red):

Origin: 

Kapuas River and Sentarum Lake, Indonesia.

Appearance: 

Intense red coloration, especially on the fins and scales.

Features: 

Highly prized due to rarity and vibrant colors.

Golden Arowana:

Crossback Golden: 

Found in Malaysia, known for golden scales that extend over its back.

Red-Tail Golden: 

Originates from Indonesia, with golden scales and a reddish tail.

Cultural Value: 

Symbolizes wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture.

Green Arowana:

Origin: 

Found across Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia.

Appearance: 

Greenish sheen on scales, with less vibrant coloration than other varieties.

Blue Base Arowana:

Variation of the crossback golden, with a bluish hue under the golden scales.

Key Traits

Size: Up to 35 inches (90 cm) in captivity.

Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List; trade is regulated under CITES.

Behavior: Territorial and aggressive.

2. Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)

Origin: 

South America, primarily in the Amazon, Essequibo, and Oyapock rivers.

Appearance:

Long, slender body with shiny silver scales.

Fins are large and flowy, giving them a graceful swimming style.

Size: 

Can grow up to 48 inches (120 cm), making them one of the largest arowanas.

Behavior:

Known for their ability to jump out of the water to catch prey like insects and small animals.

Hardy and more affordable compared to Asian arowanas.

Popularity: 

Common in the aquarium trade due to their size and striking appearance.

3. Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai)

Origin: 

South America, particularly in the Rio Negro basin.

Appearance:

Juveniles: 

Black body with yellow or white markings.

Adults: 

Gradually transition to a silvery-black color as they mature.

Size: 

Similar to silver arowanas, reaching up to 40–44 inches (100–110 cm).

Traits:

Less common than silver arowanas but equally hardy.

Juveniles are highly sought after for their striking coloration.

4. Jardini Arowana (Scleropages jardinii)

Other Names: 

Pearl Arowana or Australian Arowana.

Origin: 

Northern Australia and New Guinea.

Appearance:

Bronze or gold sheen with small, pearly spots on scales and fins.

Slightly smaller and stockier than Asian arowanas.

Size: 

Grows up to 24–36 inches (60–90 cm).

Traits:

Aggressive, especially toward other fish.

Popular among aquarists due to their unique pattern and hardy nature.

5. Leichhardt’s Arowana (Scleropages leichardti)

Other Names: Southern Saratoga.

Origin: Northern and eastern Australia.

Appearance:

Reddish to pink hue on fins and body with distinct spots.

Size: Similar to Jardini arowanas, reaching up to 36 inches (90 cm).

Traits:

Less aggressive compared to Jardini.

Ideal for larger aquariums with ample swimming space.

6. African Arowana (Heterotis niloticus)

Origin: 

Freshwater bodies across Africa, including the Nile and Congo rivers.

Appearance:

Less ornamental, with a more subdued gray or brown coloration.

Lacks the prominent barbels seen in other arowanas.

Size: 

Can grow up to 39 inches (100 cm).

Traits:

Primarily a filter feeder, consuming plankton and small particles.

Distinct from other arowanas in both appearance and behavior.

7. Platinum Arowana

Description: Not a distinct species but a rare genetic mutation resulting in an entirely white or platinum-colored arowana.

Types: Occurs in various arowana species, including silver, Asian, and Jardini.

Value: Considered the "holy grail" of arowanas, with some specimens selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Traits: Extremely rare and highly prized by collectors.

Key Considerations for Arowana Care

Tank Requirements

Size: Arowanas require large tanks due to their size and active swimming habits. Minimum tank size: 250–500 gallons.

Water Quality: Prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water with stable temperature (75–86°F or 24–30°C).

Diet

Natural Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on insects, small fish, crustaceans, and even small birds in the wild.

Aquarium Diet: Accepts pellets, frozen foods, and live prey such as shrimp or feeder fish.

Behavior

Highly territorial and aggressive, especially toward smaller fish.

Best kept as solitary fish or with similarly large and robust tank mates.

Arowanas are symbols of luck and prosperity in many cultures, particularly in Asia. Their majestic appearance and unique behaviors make them a centerpiece in aquariums, but they require careful attention and substantial resources to thrive.