**The Asian Arowana: The Dragon Fish that Rules the Aquarium**

Introduction

The Asian arowana, also known as the dragon fish, is a highly prized and sought-after ornamental fish in the aquarium hobby. Native to Southeast Asia, this magnificent creature has a long and storied history, with its presence in Chinese folklore dating back centuries. Its distinctive appearance, auspicious symbolism, and legendary reputation have captivated aquarists worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the captivating world of the Asian arowana, exploring its biology, care requirements, and the reasons why it holds such a unique place in the hearts of fish enthusiasts.

Biology and Characteristics

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Actinopterygii
• Order: Osteoglossomorpha
• Family: Osteoglossidae
• Genus: Scleropages
• Species: Scleropages formosus

Size and Appearance:
The Asian arowana is a large and impressive fish, reaching an average length of 24-36 inches (60-90 cm). Its elongated, torpedo-shaped body is covered in large, iridescent scales that shimmer with a metallic sheen. The most striking feature of the arowana is its prominent "dragon beard" or barbels, which extend from its lower jaw and are believed to be sensory organs. It possesses a single, dorsal fin that runs along the length of its back and pectoral fins that are positioned high on its body.

Coloration:
Asian arowanas exhibit a wide range of colors, including:

• Golden: A vibrant, golden-yellow hue that is highly prized and often commands a premium price.
• Red: A deep, blood-red color that is much rarer than the golden variant and is considered particularly auspicious.
• Green: A more subdued, olive-green color that is less common than the golden and red varieties.
• Blue: A rare and highly sought-after color variant that displays a metallic blue sheen.

Lifespan:
The Asian arowana has a remarkable lifespan, with some individuals living for over 20 years in captivity.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Asian arowana has played a significant role in Chinese culture for centuries. It is often referred to as the "dragon fish" due to its imposing appearance and long, flowing barbels. In Feng Shui, the arowana is believed to bring good luck, fortune, and prosperity, and is often displayed in homes and businesses as a symbol of these auspicious qualities.

Care Requirements

Providing proper care for an Asian arowana is essential to ensure its health and well-being. Here are some important considerations:

*Aquarium:* Arowanas require a large aquarium with a minimum capacity of 125 gallons. The tank should be well-filtered and equipped with a powerful filtration system to maintain pristine water conditions.
Water Parameters: Arowanas prefer slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The water temperature should be maintained between 75 and 85°F (24-29°C).
*Feeding:* Arowanas are carnivores and should be fed a diet consisting of live or frozen foods such as crickets, mealworms, and earthworms. Small fish and shrimp can also be offered occasionally.
Care: Arowanas are relatively easy to care for, but they do require regular water changes and proper tank maintenance to thrive. They are also prone to jumping, so it is important to ensure that the aquarium has a tight-fitting lid.

Benefits of Keeping an Asian Arowana

There are numerous benefits to keeping an Asian arowana in an aquarium:

*Beauty:* Arowanas are stunningly beautiful fish that add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any aquarium.
Longevity: Their long lifespan means that they can be enjoyed for many years.
*Prosperity:* In many cultures, arowanas are believed to bring good luck and fortune.
Investment: Golden and red arowanas are highly prized and can be a valuable investment.

Why Asian Arowanas Matter

Beyond their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, Asian arowanas play an important role in conservation. They are listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and their populations have been declining due to habitat loss, overfishing, and illegal trade. By keeping arowanas in captivity, aquarists can help raise awareness about their plight and support conservation efforts.

How to Keep an Asian Arowana

If you are considering keeping an Asian arowana, it is important to do your research and ensure that you are able to provide the proper care and environment for this magnificent fish. Here is a step-by-step approach to getting started:

*Choose a Healthy Arowana:* When selecting an arowana, look for one that is active, has clear eyes, and no visible signs of disease.
Set Up an Appropriate Aquarium: Prepare an aquarium with the correct size, filtration, and water parameters.
*Provide a Nutritious Diet:* Offer a varied diet of live or frozen foods, and feed your arowana regularly.
Monitor Your Arowana: Pay attention to your arowana's behavior and appearance. Regular water testing is also essential to ensure optimal water quality.
**Enjoy Your Arowana: Once you have established a proper routine, sit back and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of your Asian arowana.

Effective Strategies for Keeping an Asian Arowana

*Maintain Pristine Water Conditions:* Regular water changes and proper filtration are crucial to keeping your arowana healthy.
Provide a Balanced Diet: Avoid overfeeding and offer a variety of nutritious foods to ensure your arowana's dietary needs are met.
*Quarantine New Fish:* If you introduce new fish to your arowana's aquarium, quarantine them first to prevent the spread of disease.
Seek Veterinary Care: If your arowana shows signs of illness or distress, consult a qualified veterinarian specializing in fish health.
**Join an Arowana Community: Connect with other arowana enthusiasts online or through local aquarium clubs to share knowledge and experiences.

Humorous Stories about Asian Arowanas

*The Leaping Arowana:* One day, a hobbyist was admiring his prize arowana in its spacious aquarium. Suddenly, the arowana leaped out of the tank and landed on the floor. The hobbyist frantically scooped up his fish and returned it to its watery home, exclaiming, "Well, at least I don't have to worry about him jumping out again... or so I thought!"
The Hungry Arowana: A hungry arowana was staring longingly at a small fish swimming past its aquarium. The hobbyist dropped a cricket into the tank, but the arowana ignored it and continued to stare at the other fish. Finally, the hobbyist sighed and said, "Fine, I'll order you a pizza."
**The Arowana and the Cat: A curious cat approached an aquarium housing an arowana. The arowana opened its mouth wide and hissed at the cat. The cat jumped back in surprise and ran away. The hobbyist laughed and said, "I guess he's not a cat-fish."

What We Can Learn from Asian Arowanas

*Patience:* Arowanas can be picky eaters, so it is important to be patient and experiment with different foods to find what they like.
Adaptability: Arowanas can adapt to a variety of aquarium conditions, but it is crucial to provide them with the right environment for their long-term health.
**Resilience: Arowanas are relatively hardy fish, but they can be susceptible to certain diseases. By providing proper care and seeking veterinary attention when necessary, you can help your arowana live a long and healthy life.

Tables

Table 1: Asian Arowana Color Variants

Table 2: Asian Arowana Care Requirements

Table 3: Common Diseases in Asian Arowanas

Conclusion

The Asian arowana is a truly magnificent creature that has captured the imagination of aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. With its stunning appearance, auspicious symbolism, and legendary reputation, it holds a special place in the hearts of fish lovers. By providing proper care and attention to these remarkable fish, we can not only enjoy their beauty but