Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus) Care Guide
Scleropages formosus is a large, endangered Southeast Asian arowana on CITES Appendix I, a surface predator and paternal mouthbrooder.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Scleropages formosus, the Asian Arowana or dragon fish, is a large surface-dwelling fish reaching up to about 90 cm. It bears large cycloid scales with a distinctive mosaic pattern, a prominent lower jaw with two barbels and elongated pectoral fins. It is prized in feng shui traditions for its resemblance to the Chinese dragon.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osteoglossidae
- Genus: Scleropages
- Scientific name: Scleropages formosus
Habitat
It is native to Southeast Asia, inhabiting blackwater rivers and slow-moving waters flowing through forested swamps and wetlands across Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 2000 L (about 528 gal)
- Temperature: 24-30 °C (75-86 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Note: a secure cover is essential as the species jumps
- Lifespan: 15-25 years
Diet
It is a carnivorous surface feeder. Adults feed on other fish while juveniles feed on insects. It is nocturnal, sheltering in root systems by day and feeding at night, occurring alone or in small groups.
Compatibility
A top-dwelling, semi-aggressive fish that may share very large systems with large peaceful tankmates. Smaller fish should be avoided.
Breeding
Sexual maturity is reached late, after about three to four years. Females produce 30-100 large eggs, and the species is a paternal mouthbrooder, with the male brooding both eggs and larvae in its mouth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered. The species was placed on CITES Appendix I, the most restrictive category, in 1975; habitat loss and aquarium trade pressure threaten populations, and legal documentation is required in many countries.
Asian Arowana Breeding Guide
Overview
The Asian arowana is a CITES-listed fish of Southeast Asian blackwater rivers and wetlands that grows up to 90 cm total length. Wikipedia notes it has been listed on CITES Appendix I, the most restrictive category, since 1975, and is one of only a small number of fish species with this designation; the IUCN assessed it as endangered in 2019. From 1989 CITES has permitted trade in captive-bred specimens, and over 150 CITES-registered farms operate in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
According to Wikipedia the Asian arowana reaches sexual maturity relatively late, after 3-4 years. Females produce few but quite large eggs, on the order of 30-100, reflecting a low-fecundity strategy paired with intensive parental care.
Egg & Fry Care
The species exhibits paternal mouthbrooding: both the fertilised eggs and the larvae are brooded within the male's mouth. This produces a small number of large, well-protected young from each spawn.