What is Arowana
Arowana is a general term for freshwater ancient fish classified in the Arowana order Arowana family. There are several types of arowana known, but the main features they have in common are:
Arowana's body is strongly flattened on the sides, and it has a low body height and an elongated form. It has a large upward-facing mouth and two whiskers on the lower jaw. In addition, they are carnivorous and swim near the surface of the water, preying on falling insects, small fish, and crustaceans.
It may be hard to imagine from its huge body, but it is also known that it sometimes jumps out of the water surface and catches prey directly.
The size varies depending on the type, but even small species are about 60 cm, and large species are usually over 1 m. The natural distribution area is South America, Oceania, and Southeast Asia, and because freshwater fish are dispersed over such a wide area, it may appear as an existence that supports the theory of continental drift.
Arowana is a tropical fish that has been popular in aquariums for a long time, and it is a popular species that can be said to be a standard as a large fish because of its beautiful body color and powerful eating scene. In particular, in China, Asian arowana, a type of arowana, "Dragon fish"It is called , and is useful as a lucky charm that brings wealth.
Arowana types and prices (price market)
Even if you say arowana in a bite, the characteristics of breeding are different depending on the type, and the price market also varies greatly. Here, we will introduce the types of arowana and their prices.
A wide variety of Asian Arowana
The Asian Arowana lives in Southeast Asia and is known for its wide variety. The main species are Green Arowana (Seiryu), Red Tail Golden (Red Tail Golden Dragon), Malaysian Golden (Kaisei Golden Dragon), and Red Arowana (Red Dragon).
Asian arowana is designated as an endangered species, and trade in wild individuals is prohibited by the Washington Convention. Only breed individuals are permitted for sale, and are distributed with microchips embedded to distinguish them from wild individuals.
This species is the most expensive type of arowana, and there is a large price difference depending on the breed. The market price for a breed of green arowana, which is the cheapest original species, is 10,000 to 20,000 yen, and it is not uncommon for red arowana, which has good color development, to be priced at 50,000 yen or more.
In addition to that, improved varieties of Asian Arowana are also distributed, and the representative of such breeds, Highback Golden, is traded for about 30,000 to 50,000 yen. By the way, the highest price for an Asian Arowana is about 40 million yen, and in the past, that price was given to an individual called "Platinum Arowana (White Golden Arowana)", which is a mutant of the original species.
Silver arowana is a large fish suitable for beginners
The Silver Arowana is a species that is widely distributed in the basin of the Amazon River in South America. As its name suggests, the whole body is basically covered with silvery white scales, but as it grows, it may develop pink, red, or orange colors on its body and fins.
This point has a large individual difference, and it is one of the real pleasures of breeding this species, and at the same time it is a popular species from ancient times. Currently, breed individuals are regularly distributed, so the price is cheap, and the market price is around 2000 yen.
It is easy to obtain and relatively easy to breed among large fish, making it the perfect introductory species for breeding large tropical fish as well as arowana.
Black arowana to enjoy the growth process
Black Arowana is a species distributed around the Negro River, one of the tributaries of the Amazon River. It has the characteristic that its body color changes as it grows, and as the name suggests, the juvenile fish has a yellow line on the body color based on black. When it matures, its body takes on a dull luster like oxidized silver, and depending on the individual, the fins are rimmed with orange.
Once it grows up, it is easy to breed and maintain as a large fish, but it is a little delicate when it is young, so you need to be careful. This species is also imported regularly, although not as much as Silver Arowana, so the price market is relatively cheap and stable, and it is often sold for about 5,000 to 10,000 yen.
Northern Barra Mundi has a unique color
Northern Barramundi is a species distributed in the Oceania region such as Australia and Papua New Guinea. There are many individual differences in body color, such as gray, brown, and gold, but there are also individuals with pink spots, and the unique color that is not found in other species is the charm of this species. has become one.
Compared to other species, each scale tends to be large and lacks flexibility, so it is necessary to ensure a wide depth of the tank.
Until a long time ago, the distribution volume was low and it was expensive, but recently, the breed has been imported and distributed, so the market price has calmed down. The market price is about 4,000 to 20,000 yen, and juvenile fish can be obtained at a low price of less than 10,000 yen.
However, if there is added value, such as a large individual or an albino individual, it may exceed 100,000 yen.
/Arowana aquarium basics
Arowana breeding requires a fairly large tank because of its huge size. Also, keep in mind that maintenance is often required due to diet.
Water quality, water temperature, water flow
Arowana can be kept in a temperature range of 23-30°C. However, it is better to keep the temperature above 28°C throughout the year because "white spot disease" is likely to occur at low temperatures. Especially in winter, a heater is essential, and if the heater breaks down, it will be a fatal situation, so we recommend that you prepare a spare.
There is no problem if the water quality is maintained around neutral pH 6.5 to 7.5, but please be aware that it tends to be acidic due to food habits. Regarding the water flow, it is said that it is better to have some water flow in the case of arowana in order to relieve stress caused by lack of exercise. However, too strong water currents can actually cause stress, so please observe the condition of the arowana and adjust accordingly.
aquarium size
Arowana grows to around 60-100cm in length, so you need a tank of at least 120-180cm class. Also, since the body is long, it is necessary to secure a wide depth. Even small arowanas require a minimum depth of 60 cm, ideally 70 cm or more, and silver arowanas and hard-bodied northern barra mundi require a depth of 90 cm or more.
It is normal for arowana to upgrade the size of the aquarium as it grows, but if you cannot prepare multiple aquariums due to problems such as where to place them, it is a good idea to divide them into large aquariums with separators.
filter
Arowana is a fish species that easily pollutes the water due to its body and diet. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a filter with as strong filtering capacity as possible. Candidates for powerful filters include top filters and external filters, but top filters are recommended because they require frequent maintenance.
Also, if you have enough space and plan to keep your arowana for a long time, you may want to take the plunge and make it an overflow tank.
layout
Arowana breeding layout is basically Bare tank without floor materialis recommended. The reason is that, as mentioned above, frequent cleaning is required anyway. However, as will be described in detail later, the reflection from the bottom increases the risk of drooping eyes.
In order to prevent this, it is better to take measures such as applying a matte film for aquariums instead of adding substrate material. Also, it is better not to include accessories. It will be a hindrance during maintenance, and it will squeeze the aquarium, which is already small for arowana, and narrow the swimming space.
In addition, if the arowana hits a surprise beat, it may be injured, and in the worst case, the accessories that are knocked off may damage the aquarium.
/arowana food
Arowana is a carnivorous fish that mainly eats insects and small fish in the wild. The bait tends to bite better with live bait, but it may also feed artificial feed for carnivorous fish. Since the arowana's mouth is facing upwards, please feed both live and artificial feed with buoyancy. Mealworms, crickets, red fins, and goldfish are common live foods for arowana.
If you prepare multiple types of these foods and give them in rotation so that the arowana does not get bored, you can expect healthy growth without bias in nutritional balance. Feed 1-2 times a day, enough to not leave food behind.
Young fish need more nutrients than adults, so feed them at least twice. Uneaten live bait is especially bad for water quality, so remove as much leftover food as possible.
/Arowana mixed swimming
Mixing various fish species is the real thrill of an aquarium, but some fish species may not be suitable for mixed swimming. I'll let you know how it goes in the case of Arowana.
Mixed swimming with the same or related species
Arowana have a strong sense of territory, and it is not uncommon for them to fight violently until one of them dies.
If you can secure a large breeding space as the territory overlaps, it is possible to swim together, but I have to say that it is quite difficult for small fish to be prepared by individuals for large fish arowana.
It is better to think that it cannot be mixed with the same or related species.
Swimming with other species
It is possible to choose a partner for mixed swimming with other species. First of all, Arowana is a carnivorous fish, so small fish species are predated and cannot be mixed with them. Also, crustaceans cannot be mixed for the same reason. From the above, only large fish species that do not overlap swimming layers can swim with arowana.
Examples are Polypterus, Datonio, and Ray. However, please keep in mind that the arowana itself is a fish that is very easy to pollute the water, so if you want to swim with them, the management of water quality will be more complicated.
/arowana lifespan
Arowana's life span is about 10 to 15 years, but it goes without saying that it depends on the breeding environment. In the case of silver arowana, it seems that there are individuals who have lived up to 30 years.
In any case, once you keep them, you will have a long relationship with them, so please carefully consider whether you can take care of them until the end so that you do not release them irresponsibly.
/Arowana diseases and troubles
Diseases are inevitable in breeding ornamental fish, but please be aware that arowanas also have specific diseases. Here, we will introduce you to the diseases peculiar to arowana and how to deal with them.
drooping eyes
Blindness is a disease that causes the arowana's eyeballs to face downwards. In the wild, arowana always looks upwards, but in captivity, it is thought that the disease is caused by the reflection of light from the substrate, mixed swimming fish, and food falling on the floor, etc.
No effective treatment has been established, so preventive measures are taken, such as raising them alone or laying a matte black acrylic plate on the bottom to reduce light reflection.
Gill flipping
Gill burrowing is a disease in which the gills of arowana grow outwards. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by stress caused by poor water quality and lack of exercise. As a countermeasure, you can increase the size of the tank or create a certain amount of water flow.
There is also a method to regenerate by removing the part that has turned up, but it is difficult to remove without using an anesthetic, so if you make a mistake in the amount of medicine, you will die.
Jaw misalignment
Jaw misalignment is a disease in which the upper and lower jaws of arowana are out of alignment. Again, the exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by malnutrition and the stress caused by rearing in a small aquarium. Currently, there are no effective fish disease drugs.
It may be improved by correcting the nutritional status and removing stress, such as well-balanced feeding and securing sufficient breeding space.
/Arowana specialty store
If you are going to buy arowana, it is natural to think that you want to use a specialty store that is good at handling them. Here are some reliable arowana specialty stores.
Asian Arowana Specialty Store Rafflesia
Rafflesia is an Asian Arowana specialty store located in Misato City, Saitama Prefecture. We have aquaculture farms in the country of origin and abundant pipelines, and we sell live fish under strict management.
In addition to selling at physical stores, we also sell mail order, and in addition to live animals, we also have equipment and food necessary for breeding.
Asian Arowana and Tropical Fish Specialty Store Aquarium Pro Shop Pinpoint
The store is a specialty store located in Hachioji City, Tokyo, and sells mainly Asian Arowana.
From orthodox breeds such as green arowana and Sumatra golden to rare albinos, the shop is always stocked with 70 to 100 animals.
King Kong Jr.
King Kong Jr. has a store in Kaminami, Hirano-ku, Osaka. The store focuses on buying and selling large tropical fish, mainly arowana, and breeding equipment, and is characterized by always having a large inventory.
Basically, we support business trip purchases all over Japan, so we can rely on you when you have to let go of large tropical fish such as arowana.
AQUA SHOP DSB
The store is located in Nakano Shinmachi, Shijonawate City, Osaka Prefecture, and specializes in Asian Arowana. Although it is a store specializing in Asian arowana, we also have tropical fish that can be mixed with the same species and breeding equipment, and we have a full support system such as setting up an aquarium, so even beginners can start breeding with confidence.
They also offer a trade-in service for arowanas, so you can rely on them even when breeding becomes difficult for some reason.
Arowana, a huge ancient fish that continues to fascinate people!
Arowana is difficult to manage because of its huge body, and more maintenance costs such as feed and water charges are required. However, it is also one of the most popular aquarium fish, which shows that Arowana is an attractive fish.
In fact, the brightly colored giant that swims leisurely provides an outstanding sight. If you feel unsatisfied with small fish, why not try raising arowana?
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