The History, Popularity and Habitat of The Silver Arowanas

The Silver Arowana, scientifically known as Scleropages spp., is a magnificent fish that has captivated fish enthusiasts and collectors for centuries. It is part of the Osteoglossidae family, which includes other unique and ancient fish species commonly referred to as "bonytongues." The Silver Arowana is one of the most iconic and sought-after members of this family.

Native to the tropical freshwater rivers and wetlands of Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of the Amazon Basin in South America, the Silver Arowana has a rich history deeply intertwined with local cultures and folklore.

These fascinating fish have been celebrated and revered in many Asian cultures for centuries. In regions such as Malaysia, the Silver Arowana is often referred to as the "dragon fish" due to its elongated body, shiny scales, and unique appearance reminiscent of mythical dragons. It is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and protection, leading to its popularity among fishkeepers.

In their natural habitat, Silver Arowanas are found in slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and freshwater swamps. They are highly adapted to their environment, featuring a specialized lung-like organ known as the labyrinth organ that enables them to breathe atmospheric air. This adaptation allows them to survive in oxygen-deprived waters and even make short excursions out of the water to catch prey or escape predators.

The allure of the Silver Arowana reached a global scale in the 20th century, leading to increased demand and subsequently, concerns regarding their conservation status. Due to habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing, some populations of wild Silver Arowanas have faced declines, leading to their classification as protected or endangered species in certain regions.

The rise in popularity of Silver Arowanas in the aquarium trade has also contributed to the establishment of captive breeding programs. These programs aim to reduce the pressure on wild populations by providing hobbyists with captive-bred specimens. Through selective breeding, various color morphs and genetic variations have been developed, expanding the diversity of available specimens in the hobby.

Today, Silver Arowanas continue to enchant and captivate fishkeepers worldwide with their unique appearance, graceful swimming, and distinctive behavior. They are often considered the "king of freshwater aquariums" due to their commanding presence and regal beauty. However, it is important to promote responsible and sustainable practices to ensure the conservation of wild populations and the well-being of these remarkable fish.

The history of the Silver Arowana is a testament to its cultural significance, ecological importance, and enduring popularity in the aquarium trade. These magnificent fish bridge the gap between natural beauty and human fascination, captivating the hearts and minds of fish enthusiasts for generations to come.

Types of Arowana Fish

1. Silver Arowana (Scleropages spp.): The Silver Arowana, also known as the Asian Arowana, is one of the most well-known and sought-after species. It has a sleek silver body and distinctive scales.
2. Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai): The Black Arowana is a species native to the Amazon Basin. It has a black or dark gray body with contrasting silver or white accents.
3. Red Arowana (Scleropages formosus): The Red Arowana, also known as the Super Red Arowana or Chili Red Arowana, is highly prized for its vibrant red coloration. It is a selectively bred variant of the Silver Arowana.
4. Green Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum): The Green Arowana is another species found in the Amazon Basin. It has a greenish-brown body with red accents on its fins.
5. Jardini Arowana (Scleropages jardini): The Jardini Arowana, also called the Australian Arowana or Gulf Saratoga, is native to Australia. It has a similar appearance to the Silver Arowana but with distinctive markings and a more elongated body.
6. Leichardti Arowana (Scleropages leichardti): The Leichardti Arowana, also known as the Northern Australian Arowana or Spotted Arowana, is another Australian species. It has a silver body with black or dark green markings.
7. African Arowana (Heterotis niloticus): The African Arowana, also called the Nile Arowana or Heterotis, is found in various parts of Africa. It has a slender body and is adapted to living in both freshwater and brackish water environments.

Male gender vs Female gender (Sexual Dimorphism)

1. Size and Body Shape: In some species, such as the Silver Arowana, males tend to have a more streamlined and elongated body compared to females. Males may also be slightly larger in size than females, especially as they reach sexual maturity.
2. Coloration: Sexual dimorphism in coloration is not always pronounced in Arowanas, but some species may exhibit slight differences. Males may display brighter and more vibrant colors or develop more prominent markings or fin extensions during breeding or courtship displays.
3. Fin Shape and Length: Males may have longer and more elaborate fins compared to females. Pay attention to the shape and length of the dorsal fin, anal fin, and tail fin. Males may have more pronounced fin extensions or more intricate patterns on their fins.
4. Egg Spot: Some Arowanas, particularly males, may develop a small, dark-colored spot known as an "egg spot" on the lower portion of their anal fin. This spot resembles an unfertilized egg and is used during courtship and breeding behavior.
5. Behavior: During breeding periods, males often exhibit more aggressive and territorial behavior, establishing and defending a territory. Females may display less territorial behavior and show signs of readiness to mate, such as following or interacting with males.

Breeding The Silver Arowana

1. Prepare a Breeding Pair: Acquire a compatible breeding pair of Arowana fish. Ideally, select mature and healthy individuals that show signs of readiness for breeding. It's important to ensure that you have one male and one female.
2. Provide a Separate Breeding Tank: Set up a separate breeding tank or a dedicated section within the main tank for the breeding pair. This tank should be large enough to accommodate the pair comfortably.
3. Create Ideal Conditions: Adjust the water parameters to mimic the natural breeding conditions for your specific species of Arowana. This may include maintaining appropriate water temperature, pH levels, and water hardness. Research the specific requirements of your Arowana species for optimal breeding conditions.
4. Introduce the Breeding Pair: Introduce the male and female Arowana into the breeding tank. Observe their behavior closely to ensure compatibility and minimize aggression. Provide plenty of hiding spots and vertical structures for the fish to establish territories.
5. Stimulate Breeding Behavior: To stimulate breeding behavior, replicate the rainy season conditions, which often trigger breeding in the wild. This can be done by simulating a slight decrease in water temperature or by increasing the frequency and duration of water changes. You can also adjust the photoperiod or lighting conditions to simulate seasonal changes.
6. Courtship and Spawning: The male Arowana will display courtship behavior, such as fin flaring, circling, and chasing the female. Once courtship is successful, the pair will engage in spawning. The female releases her eggs while the male fertilizes them by releasing milt (sperm) over the eggs.
7. Egg Collection: After spawning, it's crucial to remove the eggs from the breeding tank to protect them from being consumed by the parents. Use a gentle siphon or egg removal tool to carefully collect the eggs and transfer them to a separate incubation setup.
8. Incubate the Eggs: Set up an incubation tank with suitable water conditions to hatch the eggs. Maintain stable water parameters, appropriate temperature, and gentle water flow. Some breeders use specialized egg tumblers or gentle aeration to provide optimal conditions for egg development.
9. Fry Care: Once the eggs hatch, the fry will emerge. At this point, it's essential to provide appropriate food for the fry, such as live or commercial fry food. Ensure the tank has suitable water quality and filtration to support the growth and development of the fry.
10. Grow-Out Tank: As the fry grow, you may need to transfer them to a separate grow-out tank to accommodate their increasing size. Provide suitable tank conditions, regular feedings, and monitor their growth and development closely.