Asian Arowana – Scleropages formosus-

Asian Arowana

Maipenrai Aquarium Tropical fish Exporter

The Asian Arowana, also known as the dragon fish, is a species of freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular aquarium fish, prized for its striking appearance, intelligence, and symbolism in Chinese culture.

Asian Arowanas are large, predatory fish that can grow up to three feet long in captivity. They have elongated bodies and large scales, with colors ranging from red, gold, and green to silver and black. The fish also have distinctive barbels, or whiskers, around their mouths.

In the wild, Asian Arowanas are found in slow-moving rivers and swamps, where they feed on a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish. In captivity, they require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding places, as well as a diet of high-quality pellets and occasional live food.

The Asian Arowana is considered an endangered species in the wild due to overfishing and habitat loss. As a result, the trade and ownership of this species is heavily regulated in many countries, including the United States. If you are interested in keeping an Asian Arowana, it is important to research the legal requirements in your area and purchase fish from reputable sources that do not contribute to illegal trade.

reeding Asian Arowanas in captivity can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some basic steps for breeding Asian Arowanas:

1. Sexing: Male and female Asian Arowanas have some physical differences that can help you determine their sex. Males tend to have a larger head and longer dorsal fin, while females are rounder in the belly and have a shorter dorsal fin.
2. Pairing: Once you have identified a male and female, you will need to pair them up in a suitable breeding tank. The tank should be at least 6 feet long and have a capacity of at least 150 gallons.
3. Conditioning: Before breeding, the male and female should be conditioned with a high-quality diet of pellets and live food. You can also simulate the rainy season by lowering the water level in the tank and increasing the temperature and humidity.
4. Spawning: When the male and female are ready to spawn, they will engage in a courtship ritual, during which the male will chase and nudge the female. The female will then lay eggs on a vertical surface, such as a piece of slate or plexiglass, and the male will fertilize them.
5. Incubation: The eggs should be carefully removed from the breeding tank and placed in a separate incubation tank. The water in the incubation tank should be kept clean and well-oxygenated, with a temperature of around 82-86°F. The eggs will hatch in about 2-3 days, and the fry will absorb their yolk sacs for another 5-7 days before becoming free-swimming.
6. Rearing: Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or other small live foods. As they grow, they can be transitioned to a diet of high-quality pellets.

Breeding Asian Arowanas requires a significant investment of time and resources, as well as knowledge and experience. If you are considering breeding these fish, it is important to do your research and seek guidance from experienced breeders.

Asian Arowanas are known for their striking and vivid colors, which can vary depending on the species and the individual fish. Here are some common colors and varieties of Asian Arowanas:

1. Red Arowana: This is the most common color of Asian Arowana, and it is highly prized in Chinese culture for its resemblance to the mythical dragon. Red Arowanas can range from deep blood red to a lighter orange-red.
2. Gold Arowana: Gold Arowanas have a bright, metallic sheen that can range from a pale gold to a deep bronze. They are highly sought after for their unique coloration.
3. Green Arowana: Green Arowanas have a rich, emerald green color that is highly valued in the aquarium trade. They are rarer than other color varieties and are considered a prized collector's item.
4. Silver Arowana: Silver Arowanas are a light, silvery color with a metallic sheen. They are highly reflective and can appear almost white in certain lighting conditions.
5. Black Arowana: Black Arowanas are a rare color variety that can be highly sought after. They are typically a dark, glossy black with metallic scales that can reflect a rainbow of colors.

In addition to these basic color varieties, some Asian Arowanas can have unique patterns or markings, such as spots or stripes. However, it is important to note that some color variations may be due to hybridization or artificial color enhancement, which can impact the health and integrity of the fish. As with any aquarium fish, it is important to purchase Asian Arowanas from reputable sources that breed and sell healthy, high-quality fish.

Feeding an Asian Arowana is an important aspect of their care and can help keep them healthy and vibrant. Here are some tips for feeding an Asian Arowana:

1. Diet: Asian Arowanas are primarily carnivorous and require a diet that is high in protein. A high-quality pellet or stick food should make up the bulk of their diet, supplemented with occasional live foods such as insects, shrimp, or small fish.
2. Feeding frequency: Adult Asian Arowanas should be fed once a day, while younger fish may require two or three small meals throughout the day. It is important not to overfeed your fish, as this can lead to health problems such as bloating, constipation, and swim bladder issues.
3. Feeding technique: When feeding your Asian Arowana, it is best to use a feeding stick or tongs to drop the food directly in front of the fish. This can help prevent aggressive behavior and ensure that each fish receives an adequate amount of food.
4. Variety: In addition to a staple pellet or stick food, it is important to offer your Asian Arowana a variety of live foods to promote a healthy and balanced diet. You can try offering shrimp, mealworms, or small feeder fish.
5. Water quality: Proper water quality is essential for the health and well-being of your Asian Arowana, and it can also impact their appetite and feeding behavior. Make sure to maintain a clean and well-filtered aquarium with proper temperature and pH levels.

It is important to note that overfeeding or offering an imbalanced diet can lead to health problems in Asian Arowanas, such as fatty liver disease and swim bladder issues. Always monitor your fish for signs of poor health and adjust their diet and feeding routine as needed.