Type of arowana

1. Cross-Back Golden Arowana
2. Green arowana
3. RTG (Red Tailed Golden)
4. Yellow Tail
5. red arowana
6. Pearl Arowana / Northern Barramundi
7. Spotted Barramundi
8. Black Arowana
9. Silver arowana

Malaysian Golden/Cross-Back Golden Arowana

There are several names for it, some calls it Cross Back Golden, Pahang Gold, Malayan Bonytongue, Bukit Merah Blue, Taiping Golden and the Malaysian Gold. These are basically referring to the same type of fish - the Golden Arowana. It will have golden color completely crossing its back when the fish is matures. The main reason for so many terminologies is because Cross Back Golden Arowanas can be found in various parts of Malaysia such as the states of Perak, Trengganu, Bukit Merah Lake and Johor.

Due to its relatively low supply and great demand in the market, it is currently one of the most expensive color specimen for the Asian Arowana. The main reason for its high price is due to its scarcity as well as lesser number of gametes on each spawn. Currently, only Malaysia and Singapore farms are breeding the Malaysian Golden Arowanas.

Cross-Back Goldens are further classified into Blue-Based, Purple-Based, Gold-Based, Green-based and the Silver-based types, implying the core color of the scales. The terms Blue-Based and Purple-Based are being used interchangeably by some breeders since these Cross Backs exhibit Purple Core when viewed at an angle but appears totally blue at another. Gold-Based is one of the Cross Back with a flourish of golden color at it’s scales right into the core of the scales instead of one that is blue or purplish in colors. The Golden-Based variety seems to have color crossing its back earlier than the rest. This is one type of arowanas that is most stunning to look at since a mature fish is able to achieve the much dreamed about 24K gold color which other golden varieties are incapable of! Just imagine a 2-footer arowana, fully wrapped with golden scales swimming effortlessly, making occasional turns with ease and confidence to show that it is indeed the King of Aquarium. Of course, there are also the exotic Green-Based and Silver-Based types which have green and silvery cores on its scales respectively.

It is also becoming more difficult to differentiate the sub-varieties since it is quite common to find a fish that has the qualities of two or more sub-varieties. This is due to the inter-breeding between these different varieties by the farmers and thus most Cross-Backs are not as pure as it used to be. But on the other hand, it did produce a fish with enhanced qualities from each variety. The breeding of other varieties other varieties like the Platinum White Golden Arowana and the Royal Golden Blue Arowana has also evolved over recent years. Both of these command premium price tags and are very much sought in Japan due to their scarcity. Malaysian Farms constitute most exports of these high quality fish in the world as this fish is originated from there

Green Arowana

Green arowana is a common type of Asian Arowanas. This fish is classified into the Scleropages Formosus family and usually found in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. Green Arowanas are characterized by dark greenish lateral scales.

Red-tailed Golden(RTG)

Commonly known as Red Tail Golden (RTG) or Indonesia Golden Arowana, they are classified under the golden varieties as with the Malaysian Golden or Cross Back Golden. It is found in Pekan Baru of Indonesia. The prices for the Red Tail Golden are more affordable as compared to the Cross Back Golden. The reasons for this is that this fish seldom attain 24K gold as the Cross-Back Golden would and the golden color of Red Tail Golden Arowanas will never cross over its back even when the fish is matured or fully grown. It is thus not as great looking as compared to one that is “whole piece gold". Most Red Tail Golden arowanas will have its golden color reaching the fourth row of the scales and the better ones will have it's golden color reaching the fifth row. And, just like the Cross Back Golden varieties, Red Tail Golden also have different scales base color in either blue, green and gold. Young RTGs will have a duller overall color as compared to Cross Back Golden which is neatly defined, shiny and glittering with scales reaches the fifth row. Generally, the Red Tail Golden is the tougher of the two Golden types and can grow bigger in size but is the more aggressive of the two. Thus, it is more difficult to raise them together in one single huge tank (preferably 8 - 9 fishes) as compared to the Malaysia Gold. It is also protected by the CITES, even thought it is in more abundance in the wild. Apart from that, its tail, finnage and lip color are very identical between these two types of golden varieties.

Yellow Tail Arowana

The Yellow Tail Arowana, also known as the Yellow Tail Dragonfish, like all arowanas is a freshwater scaled fish. Common mispellings are Yellow Tail Arrowana or Yellow Tail Arawana, as well as alternate spellings of Yellow Tail Arahuana, Yellow Tail Gabelbart and Yellow Tail Aruana. Often growing up to three feet in length, these fish can be both challenging and rewarding to the aquarium enthusiast. The availability of Yellow Tail Arowanas for sale varies from country to country, as will Yellow Tail Arowana prices.

Red Arowana

Red Arowana is found in Kalimantan and Sumatra of Indonesia. They can be divided into 1st grade red and 2nd grade red. 1st grade red can have different intensity of color ranging from yellow to orange to red to blood-red and chilli-red. The higher intensity red is more desirable and often demand very high price. It is often difficult to diffferentiate 1st grade red from 2nd grade red when the fish is young.

Young 1st grade red's tail and anac fin have intense red color and their scales are shiny gold in color with some green at the base. Young 2nd grade red has orange fins and the scales color are no obvious and often whitish silver. When the fish grows, in 1st grade red, the color of the fins remains red, their scales and the gill cover will develop its color. Ther type of color it will developed into depends on which type of 1st grade red you have. On the other hand, the adult 2nd grade red will only have pinkish or orange colored fins, thier scales and gill color will only developed pink or orange color.

Four basic colour variants are Super Red, Chili Red, Orange Red and Blood Red. When growing into mature, the opercula, lateral scales and fin membranes of the fish turns into metallic red. The redder the parts show, the more mature of the fish is.

Pearl Arowana / Northern Barramundi / Spotted Barramundi

The Pearl Arowana (Sceleropages jardinii) or Spotted Saratoga (also Saratoga jardinii) is commonly confused with a totally different species, the Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) which is not even of the same genus. These are impressive and striking fish who seemingly do not swim, but glide gracefully through the water. This fish is best suited to a species tank. Any fish that is small enough (even large fish) that can fit in its mouth will be devoured. New laws in Australia have greatly limited exports because of over harvesting in the wild, and all subspecies are prohibited from exports. These fish are well worth the effort and are a beautiful addition to any collection. A wonderful display of several individuals 1.2 meters and over are on permanent exibit in Underwater World, Maloolaba, Australia.

Black Arowana

The Black Arowana - Osteoglossum Ferreirai, also known as the Black Dragonfish, like all arowanas is a freshwater scaled fish. Common mispellings are Black Arrowana or Black Arawana. Often growing up to three feet in length, these fish can be both challenging and rewarding to the aquarium enthusiast. The availability of Black Arowanas for sale varies from country to country, as will Black Arowana prices. Black arowanas can grow very large in size, so it is important to have an aquarium that can accomodate them. The minimum size aquarium for an arowana is 72" x 24" x 24", but the bigger the aquarium, the happier the fish will be. Ensuring that you have proper aquarium supplies, including proper filters and filtration, will help prevent illness and keep your arowana healthy.

Silver Arowana

The Silver Arowana, or Arahuana, is known by many alternate names, sometimes making identification tricky. Scientifically, it is most often called Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, but one may also hear reference to O. vandelli, or Ischnosoma bicirrhosum. Among the group known as band fishes, the Silver Arowana is considered a true bony fish. Indigenous to the flood plains of the Amazon River Basin in South America, the Arowana can reach an intimidating 40 inches (3' 4") in the wild, and is often too much for all but the advanced freshwater aquarist to manage. It can survive short times out of the water by breathing air by utilizing its swim bladder.

learn about part of arowana

food for arowana

Arowana is a carnivorous fish. In wild, its food consist mainly insects, fishes, prawns, worms and small amphibians. Live food are preferred by arowana though they can be trained to accept other food. Variety in food is a MUST to avoid nutritional deficiency.

Small arowana(below 15cm> should be fed three times a day, medium arowana<15-35cm)>

Live food is generally more nutritious then its counterpart. However, the risk of introducing disease into the tank is increased when live food is used. This is especially true when the live food is waterborn(live in water). Live food should be quaranteen for at least a few days before feeding to the arowana. If you have doubt in certain food, the golden rule is "If in Doubt, Don't Use It". There is always other types of food available.

Insects

Crickets:

Crickets are nutritious food for arowana. The risk of disease transmission is very low. Use the appropriate size crickets for different size arowanas. Hard shell of crickets should be removed when feed to baby arowana to avoid intestinal injury. Use only farmraise crickets as wild caught crickets may be contaminated with insecticide. You may feed the crickets vitamine A rice food like carrot before feeding it to arowana. This is a good way to transfer nutrient. Vitamin A enhance color of arowana(esp red). Crickets may be frozen to avoid hassle, the percentage of nutrients retained when frozen is uncertain and require further study.

Cockroach:

Similar to cricket. Do not feed dead crocroach to arowana as it might have been killed by insecticide. It is advisable to keep the crocroach for a couple of days before using it, any insecticide contaminated crocroach would be death by then.

Centipedes:

Centipedes are very nutritious food for arowana. They are commonly used in Asia to enhance and intensify the color of arowana. Unfortunately the availability of this food is low. Frozen centipedes are more readily available then live one.

Fishes

Live Fishes:

Almost any bite size fish that is not poisonous can be arowana's food. Feeder gold, meadow, baby koi, baby catfish and small chidlid are commonly used. There is pontential risk of disease transmission when this type of food is used. Quaranteen is a MUST as it will screen out most(but not all) sick fishes. To transfer nutrient or medication to arowana, you may feed them to feeder fish right before using it. Some fishes, like goldfish are rich in fat and will precipitate drop eye problem. Use them sparingly. Goldfish is also believed to contained enzymes that will lead to nutritional deficiency in arowana, use it sparingly or avoid using it.

Fish Meat:

Fresh fish meat can be used. Trim all the fat away and cut them to bite size, wash them before use to avoid contamination of the water. Avoid frozen fish meat as denatured protein may lead to liver and internal organ sickness in long run.

Crustaceans

Live Prawns/shrimps:

Prawns/shrimps are rich in vitamin A which enhance arowana's color. They are very nutritious food. Avoid feeding baby arowana shrimps as thier shells are hard to digest and may cause intestinal injury. Do not leave live prawns/shrimps in arowana tank as they encourage arowana to search downward constantly for them and hence may precipitate drop eye. Once again, there is also a potential risk of disease transmission.

Prawn Meat:

Use only fresh prawns. Avoid frozen prawns unless you are very sure of its freshness as denatured protein may lead to liver and internal problems in long term. Removal of head is recommand as it is hard to digest and also the gill may have high concentration of germs/toxin. Prepare the prawn in bite sizes and wash it before use.

Krill:

Krill is a nutritious food and it is readily available. Use appropriate size krill for diferrent size arowana. Crush the shell then soak the krill to soften the shell proir to feeding baby arowana as hard krill may cause intestinal injury.

Worms

Bloodworms:

Bloodworms are mainly used to feed baby arowana. They a nutritious food. Rinse away impurities before use. Do not feed it when frozen as it may cause intestinal upset. Avoid old age bloodworms as it is hard for baby arowana to digest. Live bloodworms is preferrable but commercially available bloodworms are equally good when fresh. Freeze dry bloodworms may also used.

Tubifex Worms:

Tubifex worms are collected in highly contaminated drain and should be avoid unless properly treated. Commercially breed tubifex worms claim to be cleaner but its source are sometime questionable. Remember the golden rule: "If in Doubt, Don't Use It". This goes to frozen tubifex worms too. Freeze dry tubifex worms are cleaner but possibility of germs survived through very low temperature cannot be ruled out. High heavy metal content in the source is also a worry.

Mealworms:

Mealworms are healthy and nutritious. Avoid feeding them to baby arowana as thier hard shell is difficult to digest and may cause digestive problem or/and intestinal injury. Use worms that have just shed its shell. Darker color mean older shell. So choose pale looking mealworm. Drowning the worm proir to feeding is recomanded if the fish accept dead worm. Head can be removed to minimise digestive problem.

Earthworms:

Earthworms are very healthy and nutritious. Risk of disease transmission is minimal. Squeezing the soil out before feeding is recommanded. Or better still, feed the earthworm with nutritious food to clear the soil and transfer the nutrient. This is a highly recommanded food by most aquarist.

Pellets/sticks Food

There are many commercail pellets/sticks food available. Their nutritious value varies. Choose reputable brand. Pellets/sticks food specially formulated for arowana is recommanded. However, this should not be the only food of arowana.

Amphibians

Frogs:

Frogs are very nutritious food for arowana and are commonly used in Asia. You should be certain that the frogs are not poisonous before feeding them to arowana. Frogs should be quaranteen for a few days before use as they are often collected in Padi(padi)field where insecticide is frequently used. Do not feed death frog to arowana. Frogs are believed to enhance arowana's color.

Lizard/Gecko:

Lizards and geckos are also very nutritious food for arowana and are often loved by the fish. They are usually not commercially available or demand a very high price. Geckos is found in almost every house in tropical region. Catching them is hard work but often rewarded as they enhances arowana's color. Quarenteen is also recommanded as they might have eaten insecticide contamination insects, eventhough the probabilty is small.

Arowana fish and history

Arowana Fish (sometimes called dragon fish) can be a great choice for those that think big. Some varieties can grow up to Four feet long (120cm). They can be feisty, though become tamer with age to the point of eating from your fingers, and not the fingers themselves. The Arowana Fish comes from somewhat primitive origins (Jurassic Age), and some varieties are nicknamed “Bony Tongued Fish”.

Arowana Fish is the most majestic, most beautiful, most elegant, most exotic, most expensive, most demanded, most admired and a symbol of wealth for many aquarium fish lover in the world. The most beautiful and colorful Arowana in the world originated from the South East Asia mainly from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Asian Arowana fossil record dated 140 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous, Amazon Silver Arowana fossil dated 170 million years ago during Middle Jurassic, and African Arowana fossil dated 220 million years ago during the Late Triassic period. Arowana Fish can be considered the most perfected species and can leave until today where most of the dinosaur that leave during the same period already extinct.