5. All about Arowanas

5.1 : Arowana / Dragon Fish / Kelisa

For most, this fish is the King of freshwater fish and of course, the King of the aquariums. Its huge size, large scales, bold expression and elegant moves makes it a hot favorite among fish lovers, hobbyist and aquarist all over the world. The King is categorized in the family of ‘bony fish’ or sometimes called ‘bony tongue’. What is this ‘bony’ thing is really about?? Here’s the explanation…in this family of fishes, Arowana’s head is ‘bony’ and their body is covered by large heavy scales, something that looks like a mosaic patterns. Still don’t understand?? (“just get a cup of coffee will you??”- Elham). Okay, let make things simple, have you ever seen a tortoise?? That creature is also called ‘bony’. Almost 80% of their body is composed by their growing backbone thus creating the shell. Scales, just like shell were composed with elements that also can be found inside the bones. So, that’s why the Arowana is called ‘bony’. For Arowana, the name ‘bony tongue’ comes from their toothed bone on the floor of the mouth. The tongue is equipped with teeth that crossed with the teeth on their upper jaw.

This fish are one of the primitive freshwater fish species that still exist until today. Based from research, another types of primitive freshwater fish includes the Arapaima Gigas and the Snakehead. There are 10 species lived until today that have been recorded. 3 species comes from America, 1 from Africa, 4 from Asia and the remaining 2 from Australia. This fish have evolved through millions of years means indeed this fish is so hardy. Due to the high demand VS low supply from river sources, the Asian Arowana once have been considered closed to extinction!!! On 1st July 1975, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) have listed that the Asian Arowana as a highest class protected fish and have been agreed by 72 countries all over the world.

The keeping of Arowana in tanks or aquariums in Malaysia have been started since early 70’s and pulled lots and lots of attention and demand in the 80’s. This interest then spread quickly to Thailand, Taiwan, China and Japan, (“as quick as butter spread onto the bread”– Elham). The Arowana in South East Asia, is popular and expensive. Malaysia for example gave the Gold Arowana and Green Arowana while Indonesia has Red Arowana and Red Tailed Arowana. In Malaysia, Arowana is also called Kelisa. Have been recorded to sold for about RM 35,000 to RM 40,000!!! Equals to USD 9000 to USD 10,500!!! 4 peoples can get inside it and could reach the speed of 140 km/h!!!

Seriously, I’m not joking. Malaysia’s 2nd national car manufacturer (PERODUA) have build a car named from this fish, The PERODUA KELISA (“hehehehehehehe”– Elham). Don’t believe me?? Here is the picture of the car. (“what and honour…”- Elham).

Photo 5.2 : Malaysia’s compact car, PERODUA KELISA (AROWANA)

The Arowana scales and barbells resembles that of the Dragon hence, they are called the Dragon fish. In Chinese culture, the Dragon represents good luck, strength and power. In the Southern China, people believes that a Dragon can ward off evil and brings good luck. Dragon is also an icon in Asian culture, and sometimes become an icon for certain triad gang!!! Besides Tiger, the gangs usually use the Dragon figure to be carved onto their body. However, never have been seen the triad gang especially their leaders carve an Arowana figure. Businessman started keeping Arowana mostly Asian Arowana to maintain prosperous and growing business. Geomancer also recommend their clients to keep a Blood Red Arowana to bring good luck and ward off evil spirit. Keeping Arowana also believed can bring good health, happiness and uphold family togetherness.

Photo 5.3 : This spirit seems quite evil, forget the Ghostbusters, just get an Arowana


Photo 5.4 : Looking at the aging Dragon tattoo on his back, I bet this man is a retired gangster

Photo 5.5 : Keeping Arowana is believed to improve family togetherness, and


Photo 5.6 : can maintain and improve business


Arowana is a highly prized fish, so make sure you get the very best when buying it. Here’s a tip on how to choose the best of the best Arowanas…

1. Color – According to species, must be bright and lustrous
2. Body Shape – Broad and long, with complete fin and in place
3. Scales – Neatly arranged, shiny, big and evenly shaped
4. Fins – Big and wide. Each fin must have smooth hard-fin rays
5. Eyes – Big, evenly shaped, not droopy, not protruding, not misty and must be clear looking
6. Mouth – Close tightly, and no protruding jaws
7. Teeth – Neatly arranged, in-line with jaw line
8. Gill covers – Compact and close to the head and body. Must be shiny and not scarred
9. Swimming Style- Graceful and usually swims in the upper part of the aquarium.
10. Whiskers (Mandibular) – Long and straight, equal in length and match the body coloration.


Color
The most important criteria is the color of the fish because it is often the color that first attracts the hobbyist. Hence, if the body shape is attractive but the color is not, it cannot be considered perfect. According to the different types of Dragon Fish, the standard colors differ. BEWARE OF FAKE RED AND BLOOD AROWANAS IN THE MARKET!!! One way of preventing this is to get your fish from a CITES registered farm and make sure that the farm has a good sales record.

Body Shape
The ideal shape is one that is proportionate, neither too fat nor too thin. Essential to look after its environment and the food that it takes. The space of the tank directly affects the growth and progress of the body. A limited space may result in its stunted size, or rounded, hunched shape. Basically the length of the tank should be 3 times the average length Arowana during the growing stage. Food should be nutritious. Besides fish and prawns, other types of food may be fed. Do not allow the Arowana to be inclined to one type or eat too much. Feeding should be well controlled.

Scales
Scales are the Arowana's distinctive feature. Neatly layered and slippery scales are comparable to the good complexion of a person. The scales should be even and radiant. They should not have dark spots, although red spots are welcome as they are considered auspicious. Many people have a misconception about the scales. They think that when the scales drop off, they may not be replaced naturally. The only point to note is in replacement, it has an itchy sensation causing it to rub its body against the side of the aquarium. This may cause the fish to be damaged. To prevent this, it is advisable to remove anything that may cause injury in the aquarium. If there is loss of scales, they can grow back after 3 to 5 weeks. While they are being replaced, the water condition should be noted so as to prevent harmful bacteria from proliferating. If any scale is out of shape, it could be removed by anesthetize the fish during the operation. A new scale will eventually grow in its place.

Mandibular Barbels (Whiskers)
Many fish lovers have high regard for the Arowana's whiskers because they resemble the Dragon's horns - a sign of blessing. Mandibular barbels must be equally long, straight and the color similar to its body-color. These act as an extension of the Arowana's power. Any broken, shortened or bent whiskers may mean a reduction to its majestic appearance. How then can these whiskers be preserved and maintained??

First of all, one must prepare ample space for free activity and to prevent the whiskers from getting damaged. Without this ample space, the Arowana’s whiskers cannot grow properly and the tips may rub against the sides of the aquarium thus getting damaged. Then…

1. Do not decorate aquarium with furnishings such as rocks and other decorations
2. Do not drop food in a corner. They should be put in the centre of the aquarium.
3. Do not knock against the aquarium to cause the Arowana to be shocked or frightened.
4. Cover the aquarium with a thick glass, the edges of which should be smoothened and rounded. These can help to prevent the Arowana's whiskers from getting damaged in its excitement or when it is frightened.

Should the whiskers be broken or damaged, the recovery period varies according to the age of the Dragon Fish. Normally a young Dragon Fish recovers faster than an older Dragon Fish. Whiskers may be damaged in 2 ways…

1. At the root : When this occurs, recovery may be difficult even for a young Arowana. It is necessary to decide whether to leave it to grow the root back naturally, or to use a needle to help speed the growth. Even if the whisker is bent but not broken, it is best to cut it off so that it will not be out of shape when regrown.
2. Fins : The fins of the Arowana are like its limbs. Any damaged fin can affect the Arowana's graceful movement and ultimately the beauty of the whole fish.

A beautiful fin should be smooth and outstretched, with all its hard rays straight and smooth. There should be no tear. Care should begin with the baby Arowana. At this stage, it should not be given too much space. The fish is easily frightened as it feels insecure in a spacious environment. In dashing about at every slightest disturbance, often suffers injuries.

A smaller space which gives the fish a feeling of security will also enable the fish to be more active, thereby strengthening its fins. When it is at the adolescent stage and more stable, it can then be transferred into a larger aquarium. To avoid hurting the fins, these points should be noted…

1. Do not install ornamental displays such as rocks and other decorations
2. Do not rear with other fishes in the same tank.
3. To lift the young, fine net should be used. When it reaches 15 cm, net should not be used. Hold in plastic bag instead.

If a piece of the hard ray of the fin is injured, it could be gently removed at the base and a new ray will grow in its place. In case of more rays, then the Arowana needs to be given anesthesia before operation to remove the broken rays with a pair of scissors.
When fin-rays are broken, they need to be treated immediately, especially tail fins, as the Arowana depends largely on its tail fin to move about. Although fins may recover by themselves, they may be disfigured when they do. After surgery, a replaced fin can be almost perfect, except it may be a little wavy. However, it is best to get a specialist to perform the operation.

Eyes
In the natural environment, the eyes are focused above water-level to search for live food. However, when the fish is reared in a fish tank which is transparent all round, the eyes tend to focus downwards due to distractions around and as food is readily found around and at the bottom of the tank. The hobbyist need not be unduly worried about the fish's health although the value of the fish is affected by this phenomena. This is only a natural adaptation to its environment.

A good quality fish's eyes must be centralized, compact and focused, not droopy or protruding. They must revolve naturally and be shaped evenly, sparkle brightly and clear. In the aquarium, the Arowana's eyes tend to focus downwards sometimes because…

1. When it is kept in an aquarium, its feeding habit changes because its prey are no longer floating above but are at the bottom of the aquarium
2. It gets distracted by movement outside the glass panels of its aquarium
3. It does not exercise enough, so fat is accumulated to bulge or protrude within the socket of the eyes causing the eyes to protrude or droop

Mouth
When close the upper and lower lips must not protrude. The lower jaw should not be loose. In the fish tank, the fish often rubs against the glass wall resulting in the loosening of the jaw muscles. To avoid this, the space must be increased or install a water jet to increase the speed flow of the water.

Teeth
Generally, fish hobbyists do not pay much attention to its teeth. However, its teeth are quite important. If the teeth of the fish are not healthy, they will affect the fish's health.

Gill Covers
Normal gill covers should be smooth and flat with no scratches or wrinkles. The following points should be noted…
1. Do not install ornamental displays in the aquarium
2. Maintain the right temperature. Gill covers and head tissues may wrinkle if temperature is too high. A vast change in temperature may cause the fish to suffer tilted gill covers
3. Change water regularly and maintain cleanliness and the best water condition
Raise oxygen content in the water.

If there is any injury in the gill region, fish-treatment medication should be put into the water to prevent bacteria infecting wound.

Swimming Style
The style of movement is important in enhancing its beauty. An Arowana that does not swim gracefully can affect its aesthetic value. Correct posture is to swim vertically in water, spreading out all its fins. The mandibular barbels must be straight. It must be able to turn swiftly. Moving up and down or diagonally is not ideal.


Types of Arowanas :

Photo 5.7 : Golden Arowana


Photo 5.8 : Malay Arowana


Photo 5.9 : Panda Gold Arowana


Photo 5.10 : Red Arowana


Photo 5.11 : Red Tailed Golden Arowana


Photo 5.12 : Another nice pose from the Red Tailed Golden Arowana


Photo 5.13 : Super Red Arowana


Photo 5.14 : Blood Red Arowana


Photo 5.15 : Another Blood Red Arowana who think he’s better than his friend above


Photo 5.16 : Blue Crossback Golden Arowana

On the next chapter, we will go through on Arowana’s Diets and Common Disease.