The Magnificent Arowana: A Review of Nature's Living Dragon

The Arowana, often referred to as the "dragon fish" due to its majestic appearance and scale patterns resembling dragon scales, is one of the most fascinating freshwater fish in the world. Belonging to the family Osteoglossidae, these ancient fish have existed for nearly 150 million years, earning them the nickname "living fossils."

Physical Characteristics

Arowanas are known for their elongated bodies, large scales, and distinctive barbels protruding from their lower jaws. They can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length in captivity, with some wild specimens reaching even larger sizes. Their most striking feature is their metallic sheen, which comes in various colors including silver, gold, red, and green depending on the species and variety.

Species and Varieties

There are several species of Arowana, with the most popular being:

• Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus) - The most prized and expensive variety, protected under CITES due to endangered status
• Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) - Native to South America, known for its sleek silver body
• Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai) - Found in the Amazon basin, darker in coloration
• Australian Arowana (Scleropages jardinii and Scleropages leichardti) - Smaller than their Asian counterparts

Behavior and Temperament

Arowanas are surface-dwelling fish known for their incredible jumping ability - they can leap up to 6 feet out of water to catch prey in the wild. They are carnivorous predators feeding on insects, small fish, and even birds or bats in their natural habitat. In captivity, they require large aquariums (minimum 250 gallons for adults) with tight-fitting lids to prevent escape attempts.

Cultural Significance

In Asian cultures, particularly in China and Southeast Asia, the Arowana is considered a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and wealth. The Asian Arowana is often called the "dragon fish" and is believed to bring good fortune to its owner. This cultural significance has contributed to their high value in the aquarium trade, with some rare color varieties selling for tens of thousands of dollars.

Care Requirements

Keeping Arowanas requires commitment and proper knowledge:

• They need excellent water quality with strong filtration
• Water temperature should be maintained between 75-86°F (24-30°C)
• They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0)
• Diet should include variety of live, frozen, and prepared foods
• Regular water changes are essential for their health

Conservation Status

Due to habitat destruction and overcollection for the aquarium trade, several Arowana species are now endangered. The Asian Arowana is listed on CITES Appendix I, making international trade of wild-caught specimens illegal. Responsible aquarists should only purchase captive-bred specimens from reputable breeders.

In conclusion, the Arowana is truly one of nature's most magnificent freshwater fish. Their prehistoric appearance, graceful movements, and cultural significance make them highly sought after by serious aquarium enthusiasts. However, their care requirements and conservation status mean they should only be kept by experienced aquarists who can provide them with the proper environment and care they need to thrive.