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Asian arowana

Alternative Name
N/A
Basic Info

Like all Scleropages, Asian arowanas have long bodies; large pectoral fins; dorsal and anal fins located far back on the body; and a much larger caudal fin than that of their South American relative, the silver arowana, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum. Their scales are large and, in some species, metallic colored. The scales have a distinctive network of raised ribs. These mouthbrooding carnivores have paired barbels on the end of the lower jaw. All Asian arowanas are distinguished from Australian congenerics S. jardinii and S. leichardti by having fewer (21-26) lateral line scales (versus 32-36), longer pectoral and pelvic fins, and a longer anterior snout.

Health

The Asian arowanas are listed as endangered by the 2006 IUCN Red List, although it was last evaluated in 1996.[1] International trade in these fishes is controlled under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), under which it was placed on Appendix I, the most restrictive category, in 1975.[10][11] There are twenty three registered CITES breeders in Asia and the specimens they generate can be imported into several nations, although not the United States.

Habitat

Fresh water fish

Behavior

Asian arowanas are prized aquarium fish in some parts of the world, and the various color varieties have differing values to hobbyists. The super red arowana is regarded by many to be of greatest beauty because red is considered an auspicious color, according to some local cultures (see Cultural Beliefs below). Each color variety has variations among different localities. For instance, the gold crossback may have various base colours, including blue, gold, green, turquoise, and purple. Hobbyists consider the highest grade of the gold crossback to be the full gold crossback (frameless gold), which originated from the Sungai Gedong river system.

Origin

Asia

History

These popular aquarium fish have special cultural significance in areas influenced by Chinese culture. The name dragon fish stems from their resemblance to the mythical Chinese dragon. This popularity has had both positive and negative effects on their status as endangered species. All osteoglossids are highly adapted to freshwater and are incapable of surviving in the ocean; therefore, the spread of Asian arowanas throughout the islands of southeast Asia suggests they diverged from other osteoglossids before the continental breakup was complete. Confirmation has come from genetic studies, which have shown that the ancestor of the Asian arowanas diverged from the ancestor of the Australian arowanas, S. jardinii and S. leichardti, about 140 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous period. This divergence took place in the eastern margin of Gondwanaland, with the ancestors of Asian arowanas carried on the Indian subcontinent or smaller landmasses into Asia. The morphological similarity of all six species shows that little evolutionary change has taken place recently for these ancient fish.

Common Foods

Young Silver Arowanas should not be overfed, because according to some hobbyists, they can develop dropeye, a condition in which the eyes are turned downward, as they grow. Arowanas should be offered meaty foods such as insects, shrimp, fish and beef hearts.

Silver arowana

Alternative Name
Binomial name Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
Basic Info

The silver arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), sometimes spelled arawana, is a freshwater bony fish of the family Osteoglossidae, commonly kept in aquaria. The term “Osteoglossum” means “bone-tongued” and “bicirrhosum” means “two barbels” (from the Greek language). This fish has relatively large scales, a long body, and a tapered tail, with the dorsal and anal fins extending all the way to the small caudal fin, with which they are nearly fused. It can grow to a maximum size of around 1 m (39 inches) in captivity. In the wild, it has been known to reach over 1.2 m (47 inches) in length. The juveniles are usually a dull silver color with black markings around the head and the tail. Once they reach about 15 cm (6 inches), the markings will disappear and they will start to obtain the silvery color that give them their common name

Health

Water Conditions Water conditions are important for arowanas. Strong filtration is necessary for these large carnivores. Commercially available black water additives can help simulate the Silver Arowana’s natural habitat, although they can adapt to most water supplies and thrive. A 25-30% water change, siphoning waste and other detritus, is necessary 1-2 times every week to maintain excellent water conditions. The water temperature should range from 24°C (75°F) to 28°C (82°F), with the ideal about 26°C (79°F).

Habitat

Fresh water fish

Behavior

The species is also called monkey fish because it of its ability to jump out of the water and capture its prey. It usually swims near the water surface waiting for potential prey. Although specimens have been found with the remains of birds, bats, and snakes in their stomachs, its main diet consist of crustaceans, insects, smaller fishes and other animals that float on the water surface, on which its draw-bridge-like mouth is exclusively adapted for feeding. Arowanas are sometimes called Dragon Fish by aquarists because their shiny armor-like scales and double barbels are reminiscent of descriptions of dragons in Asian folklore. Tankmates Silver Arowanas can be kept with other freshwater fish as long as they are too large to fit in the arowana’s mouth and can tolerate the arowanas active-swimming lifestyle. Many people like having more then one Arowana in the tank; in this case, hobbyists recommend keeping at least 5-6 in the tank at a time because Silver Arowanas are very aggressive towards each other.

Origin

Amazon River

History

This species is found in is the Amazon River basin and in the Rupununi and Oyapock Rivers in South America as well as in still waters in Guyana.

Common Foods

Young Silver Arowanas should not be overfed, because according to some hobbyists, they can develop dropeye, a condition in which the eyes are turned downward, as they grow. Arowanas should be offered meaty foods such as insects, shrimp, fish and beef heart.

Arapaima

Alternative Name
Binomial name Arapaima gigas
Basic Info

The Arapaima (Arapaima gigas), also known as the Piracucu, Pirarucu, or Paiche, is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. The species is reported to reach lengths in excess of 3 m (9.8 ft.) and weigh up to 200 kg (440 lb), although these reports have been disputed. As one of the most sought after fish species in South America, it is often captured by spearing for export, and, consequently, large Arapaima of more than 2 m are seldom found today.

Health

The diet of A. gigas consists of other fish or even small animals, including birds. This fish is able to survive extensive drought periods by gulping air and burrowing in the mud or sand of the swamps. Due to the geographic range that A. gigas inhabits, the animal’s life cycle is greatly affected by the seasonal flooding that occurs. Half of the year the pirarucu experiences an abundance of water, which is a benefit to these aquatic organisms; however, the other half of the year the pirarucu experiences drought conditions. The pirarucu has adapted to this great fluctuation in many aspects of its life, including reproduction. A. gigas lays its eggs during the months of February, March, and April when the water levels are low. They build a nest approximately 50 cm wide and 15 cm deep, usually in sandy bottomed areas. As the water rises the eggs hatch and the offspring have the flood season to prosper, during the months of May to August. Therefore, the yearly spawning is regulated seasonally. A. gigas is a mouthbrooder.

Habitat

Fresh water fish

Behavior

A. gigas is hunted and utilized in many ways by local human populations. Pirarucu are harpooned or caught in large nets and the meat is said to be delicious. Since the Arapaima needs to swim up to breathe air, traditional Arapaima fishers often catch them by first clubbing them and then harpooning them dead. One individual can yield seventy kilograms of meat. In addition, the pirarucu’s bony tongue is often used to scrape cylinders of dried guarana, an ingredient in a beverage, and the bony scales are used as nail files. This animal also appears in the pet trade, although to keep a pirarucu correctly requires a large tank and can prove quite difficult.

Origin

Colombia

History

The Arapaima has also been introduced for fishing in Thailand and Malaysia. It is also considered an aquarium fish, although it obviously requires a large tank and ample resources.

Common Foods

Young Silver Arowanas should not be overfed, because according to some hobbyists, they can develop dropeye, a condition in which the eyes are turned downward, as they grow. Arowanas should be offered meaty foods such as insects, shrimp, fish, beef heart,