Top 12 Most Fascinating Facts About Arowana Fish

Here are some of the most popular Arowana species found in Vietnam:

Red Arowana: Also known as Blood Parrot, this species originates from Indonesia. It is one of the most sought-after and well-known types of arowana. The red scales that cover its body, shimmering with a metallic sheen, create a striking visual. A mature Red Arowana can grow up to 26cm in length. The fish’s body should be entirely red, with no traces of yellow or brown to be considered a pure Red Arowana.

Golden Arowana: The two most popular types of Golden Arowana in Vietnam are the 'Super Red' and 'Red Tail Golden' varieties.

• Super Red Arowana: Known as the Malaysia Golden Arowana, this species is the most expensive after the Red Arowana. It has a prominent head and a shorter body compared to other species, typically growing up to 15cm. The body is mostly yellow with two golden stripes running from the back down to the hips. The scales are large and have a shimmering golden hue.
• Red Tail Golden Arowana: Originating from Indonesia, this species has a slender, elongated body. While young, they display a reddish hue, which later changes to a golden color as they mature.

Silver Arowana (Albino): Also known as the Silver Arowana, this species can grow up to 1.2 meters in length. From a distance, its body resembles a dagger with large scales and an extended jaw. When young, it has a blue or orange metallic sheen, and its head and fins are light pink. As it matures, the scales turn a silvery-white color.

Platinum Arowana: This variety is a genetic mutation, not a traditional species of arowana. Its body size is similar to regular ornamental arowanas, but its entire body is covered in a pure white hue. Extremely rare, this species is typically the most expensive in the world.

Natural Habitat: Asian Arowanas are mainly found in slow-moving waters flowing through wetlands and swamps. Areas with clean, unpolluted water tend to have Arowanas with more vibrant colors.

Captive Environment: As Arowanas grow quite large—up to 90cm—they require spacious tanks when kept in captivity. A secure tank lid is essential to prevent them from jumping out.

Arowanas can live together in a very large tank, provided all the fish are of similar size. Water quality is crucial: it must be well-filtered, soft, slightly acidic, and maintained at a temperature range of 24–30°C.

Key Considerations for Arowana Habitat:

• Tank Size: For a single Arowana, a 1.2×0.5×0.5m tank is sufficient, while a larger tank (1.8×0.6×0.5m) is needed for multiple fish.
• Ideal Water Temperature: 29–30°C, not too hot or cold.
• pH Level: Ideally 7, but can range from 5 to 6.
• Ensure the water is clean; change the water once a week.
• Provide moderate lighting, with minimal aeration.
• It's advisable to keep only one Arowana in a smaller tank, while a larger tank can house 6 to 10 fish.

Arowanas belong to the Osteoglossidae family, a group of freshwater bony fish. In some regions, they are referred to as 'bony tongue fish'. These fish have a bony head and elongated bodies covered with large, heavy scales arranged in a mosaic pattern.

Asian Arowanas: According to research by Pouyaud et al. (2003), Asian Arowanas have been classified into several distinct species, including the Red Arowana, Borneo Green Arowana, and the Red-Tailed Golden. The Black Arowana and Nami Green Arowana are often grouped with the Green Arowana, though they may also be separate species.

Australian Arowanas: Australian Arowanas have smaller scales compared to their Asian counterparts. They feature seven rows of scales on each side of their bodies, compared to just five rows found on Asian Arowanas. Additionally, the lateral line of the Australian Arowana contains between 32 to 35 scales, while the Asian Arowana has 21 to 25 scales.

South American Arowanas: South American Arowanas stand out from their Asian and Australian relatives due to their fin structure. The dorsal and anal fins start from the middle of their bodies and overlap with the tail fin, giving the impression of a continuous fin. Their pectoral fins and tail are smaller in proportion to their bodies. This group includes the Black Arowana (found in the Negro River Basin) and the Silver Arowana (found in the Amazon, Rupununi, and Oyapock Rivers in South America).

The Arowana family is extremely diverse, with each species offering unique characteristics that captivate aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. Additionally, the prices of these fish vary widely, so if you're interested in their pricing or care, read on for more details below.

Despite being considered the 'king' of fish, Arowanas are not immune to diseases. Below are some common health issues that Arowanas may encounter:

• Parasite Infections: These often result from unclean environments, where stagnant water weakens the fish's immune system.
• Gills and Eye Problems: Issues like cloudy eyes, gill infections, and respiratory issues can arise due to unsuitable water conditions, temperature changes, or nutritional deficiencies.
• Sunken Eyes: This condition occurs when fat accumulates behind the eyes, causing them to bulge and restrict the fish’s vision to downward.

Cloudy Eyes: This issue often occurs due to poor water quality or physical injury to the eyes.
Solution: Change one-third of the water and add a small amount of salt to improve water sterilization.

Stress: In addition to physical ailments, Arowanas can also suffer from stress. Symptoms include lack of appetite, lethargy, and staying in one spot or floating aimlessly.

• Cause: Overcrowding in the tank, small tank size, poor water quality, or parasite infestations can cause stress in Arowanas.
• Solution: Regularly clean the tank and limit the number of smaller fish in the same tank.

To prevent these issues, it is essential to maintain a clean environment and provide proper daily nutrition for your Arowanas.

Arowanas, with their distinct appearance and mystical associations, are often seen as the embodiment of the divine dragon in Feng Shui. These fish are believed to bring good fortune, wealth, and protect the home from negative energies. Because of these auspicious qualities, Arowanas have become highly sought after and are considered expensive ornamental fish.

Color Symbolism: The color of an Arowana is categorized according to the five elements in Feng Shui: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Each element corresponds to different people based on their specific needs. For instance, Wood nourishes Fire, Fire nourishes Earth, Earth nourishes Metal, Metal nourishes Water, and Water nourishes Wood.

Number of Arowanas: The ideal number of Arowanas is based on the lucky number 9. This means keeping 8 red or golden Arowanas with 1 black Arowana. The black Arowana absorbs negative energy and helps balance out the overall energy flow. In Feng Shui, multiples of 3 are also considered auspicious, bringing good luck and success. However, if you can only keep one Arowana, placing it in the right position will still offer positive benefits.

Proper Tank Placement: When positioning your Arowana tank, it’s important to consider the following directions for maximum Feng Shui benefit:

• Southeast: The southeast is a prosperous direction, associated with wealth and financial growth. Placing your Arowana tank here can attract financial success.
• North: The north is linked with career advancement. Placing the tank here could support career growth and open doors to professional opportunities.
• East: The east is beneficial for promoting good health for all members of the household.

Alternative Arowana Symbols: Due to their high value and large size, Arowanas may not be suitable for every household. In such cases, decorative items and artwork featuring Arowanas can be used instead. Some popular symbolic representations include:

• Arowana Statue with a Coin: This is a perfect display for business owners or those wishing to attract wealth.
• Arowana Paintings: These serve as a good luck charm for those aiming to succeed in their careers and achieve promotions.

Historically, Arowanas were primarily bred in the wild, but due to growing demand, successful breeding in controlled environments has become common. As an endangered species, Arowanas require special permits for breeding and trade. Fortunately, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) granted permission for their export, allowing them to be shipped worldwide, including to Vietnam.

Today, the largest sources of Arowana breeding come from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan. In these fish farms, a microchip, no larger than a grain of rice, is embedded into each fish, carrying a unique identification code. This code is printed on the Certificate of Authenticity, which bears a specific stamp from the farm, such as Munjul (Indonesia), Xian Leng (Malaysia), or Mitra (Indonesia). Once the fish are shipped to Vietnam, sellers can use a chip reader to verify the fish's origin. To confirm the authenticity of the fish, buyers can simply visit the farm's website and enter the chip number. This system has made the Arowana trade more efficient and transparent, ensuring the quality and authenticity of the fish being sold.

Arowanas come in a wide range of varieties, so the prices for different types vary significantly. Common types of Arowanas can cost anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 VND each. However, rare species like the Red Arowana or Platinum Arowana can fetch prices in the thousands of USD.

Here are the prices of various Arowana species in the market:

• Blood Red Arowana: Prices for Blood Red Arowanas range from 5 to 20 million VND per fish, depending on its size, weight, and the color intensity of its body.
• Golden Arowana: The price for Golden Arowanas can vary between 5 to 22 million VND per fish, based on size, weight, and the golden hue on its fins.
• Super Red Arowana: Prices for this variety are mostly determined by the size and coloration of its scales. Super Red Arowanas are sold for about 2 to 3 million VND each, making them more affordable compared to other varieties.
• Pink Arowana: Not as well-known as other species, Pink Arowanas are priced between 1.8 to 2.5 million VND per fish.
• Dragon Arowana: In the wild, this species can grow up to 60 cm in length. Dragon Arowanas are usually sold for between 600,000 VND to 1 million VND each.
• Silver Arowana: A Silver Arowana costs about 120,000 to 300,000 VND per fish. For beginner hobbyists, this is an excellent choice to start with.

The Arowana is a relatively expensive fish with significant feng shui value, so it’s crucial to learn the proper care techniques to ensure its health and longevity.

Choosing the right breed is essential for the Arowana’s growth rate. Here’s what to consider when selecting a breed:

• Don’t choose fish that are either too large or too small. Pay attention to every part of the fish to avoid any defects. Ideally, choose a fish that is large, long, and in good health.
• The swimming posture is also an important factor. A healthy Arowana should swim steadily, with its fins spread out. Active fish are generally healthier.

Choosing the Right Aquarium:

• The environment plays a key role in the growth of Arowanas. Choose an aquarium that matches the size of your fish. For example, a 15 cm fish needs a tank of 120 x 45 x 45 cm, while a fish over 30 cm should be placed in a tank that is 180 x 60 x 45 cm.
• The location of the aquarium is also crucial. Choose a spot with minimal foot traffic and plenty of natural sunlight, either in the morning or afternoon. You may also consult feng shui guidelines to place the tank in the most beneficial location.

Feeding Your Arowana:

• Provide your Arowana with high-nutrient food to ensure its growth. Common food options include crickets, cockroaches, guppies, three-tailed fish, tadpoles, and some prepared foods. Always purchase food from reputable suppliers to prevent health issues for your fish.

Arowana Care Tips: To maintain healthy Arowanas, you should change the water 1 to 2 times a week. Avoid using tap water directly; let it sit and settle before using it. Clean the tank daily by removing waste, and regularly check the water’s pH levels. It’s also advisable to cover the aquarium, as Arowanas are known for their jumping ability.

There are many vendors in the market offering Arowanas for sale. You can visit specialty pet markets, which are great places to assess the quality of the fish and negotiate prices. However, these markets do not always guarantee the origin or source of the fish, so it's important to choose a reputable place.

It’s best to go for well-established businesses with a long history in the trade. These reliable sellers offer quality fish and a wide variety of options, ensuring you can make an informed choice. Furthermore, experienced staff can guide you to select the healthiest fish.

Arowanas are not only beautiful but also hold significant feng shui value. Therefore, before deciding to raise this fish, it's crucial to learn the best care techniques. This will ensure you have a beautiful feng shui aquarium at home.

Behavior: The Arowana is a carnivorous species with an aggressive nature. In the wild, they typically live in small groups, although some prefer to hunt and live alone. Arowanas are surface hunters and are capable of catching prey up to 2 meters above the water's surface thanks to their excellent positioning skills and ability to jump high.

In captivity, Arowanas tend to swim slowly and gracefully, which may give the impression that they are docile and friendly. However, they are quick and precise hunters, even in murky waters. Their forward-facing barbels enhance their sensitivity, helping them detect prey more efficiently.

Breeding behavior: Although Arowanas generally live in small groups, during the breeding season, mature males often separate from the group to find mates. After courting, pairs of Arowanas select a suitable area to build their nests and lay eggs.

The male Arowana is often dubbed the 'Father of the Year' as he takes over the responsibility of caring for the eggs and young after fertilization. Once the female lays the eggs, the male holds and incubates them in his mouth, even fasting during the process.

On the other hand, the female Arowana is considered a less attentive mother, as she swims away after laying the eggs and sometimes returns to eat them if the male hasn't quickly secured them in his mouth.

The Arowana is part of the Osteoglossiformes family, a group of fish that primarily thrive in freshwater environments. They are highly sought after in the aquarium trade, and their price can be relatively high. There are around 214 species of Arowanas worldwide, with the Asian Arowana being the most popular due to its impressive appearance.

Arowanas are freshwater fish bred mainly for feng shui purposes, and they are considered medium-sized fish. On average, an adult Arowana can grow to between 20 and 70 cm in length and weigh between 1 to 4 kg. Physical characteristics include:

• A streamlined, long, and strong body that flattens slightly on the sides, allowing for swift swimming.
• Large scales, along with long pectoral fins, dorsal fins, anal fins, and mouth barbels.

Head features:

• The head is relatively flat and proportionate to the body, and the Arowana lacks eyelids, meaning it never blinks.
• Although small, the nose helps the Arowana detect food and assess the water environment.
• The barbels near the mouth are highly sensitive, allowing the fish to accurately locate prey.

Scales and fins:

• The Arowana's name is derived from its large, dragon-like scales, which are one of the fish's most distinctive features.
• These glittering scales add to the Arowana's value as an ornamental fish.