Red Arowana
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Rare and coveted red form of the Asian arowana. Trade in wild specimens is strictly prohibited. Alibaba
[edit] Overview
Endangered in its home waters in Asia, this species has been protected by a CITES I ban on its trade since 1975.
Several CITES-approved breeding facilities have been established and certified and tagged specimens are sometimes available. (The United States currently forbids the keeping of Asian arowanas under the Endangered Species Act.) In Chinese lore, this glorious, athletic fish is the incarnation of a dragon.
Now being aquacultured, but still intimidatingly costly, this color morph of the Green Arowana classifies as one of the most-coveted aquarium species in the world. Pure aquarists must compete with Asian restaurateurs who want one of these fish to cast a spell over their establishments.
Family: Osteoglossidae
Other common name(s):
- Asian Arowana, Asian Arawana
Native range:
Habitat: Blackwater swamps and streams, especially under low-hanging branches, where it awaits any opportunity to take insects, amphibians, birds or other prey. Will leap prodigiously to capture target animals.
Maximum length: 90 cm (35 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 1135 L (300 gal)
Water: Freshwater 25 °C (298 K, 77 °F) - 30 °C (303 K, 86 °F)
General swimming level: Top.
[edit] Feeding
Carnivore. In captivity, feed shrimp, live feeder crickets, meaty pellets, occasionally small rodents prepared for pet reptiles. Do not overfeed live "feeder fish," as health problems can follow.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Best kept in a spacious aquarium devoted to this fish alone. Any tankmate must be rugged and well outside of eating-size bounds.
[edit] Special Care
Be sure to buy certified captive-bred specimens. Not legal to possess in the U.S.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
After a close brush with extinction in the wild, this and other Asian arowanas are being captive bred in very limited numbers.
[edit] Notes
Photo is from an importer of "Cites Approved" Red Arowana: Alibaba.com. Caveat emptor.
| Common name | Red Arowana +, and Asian Arowana, Asian Arawana + |
| Family | Osteoglossidae + |
| Genus | Scleropages + |
| Maximum length | 35 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 300 gal + |
| Native range | Indonesia +, Malaysia +, Thailand +, Vietnam +, and Cambodia + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Specific name | formosus + |
| Swimming level | Top. + |
| Text credit | KW + |
| Water max temp | 303 K (30 °C, 86 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 298 K (25 °C, 77 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |