ArowanaScleropages formosus

Facts

90.0 cm

Arwana, Asian Arowana, Asian Bonytongue, Dragon Fish, Golden Arowana, Golden Dragon Fish, Kelesa, Malayan Bonytongue, Sclerapages

Asia: Southern Myanmar to Malay Peninsula and Indonesia, eastern Thailand to Cardamon Range. International trade banned (CITES I, since 1.7.75).

freshwater

Scleropages

Osteoglossidae

Osteoglossiformes

Actinopterygii

Chordata

Animalia

source: FishBase

Description

The asian arowana is referred to several varieties of freshwater fish all in the genus Scleropages. Some sources differentiate these varieties into multiple species, while others consider the different strains to belong to a single species, Scleropages formosus. They have several other common names, including Asian bonytongue, dragon fish, and a number of names specific to different varieties.

Native to Southeast Asia, Asian arowanas inhabit blackwater rivers, slow-moving waters flowing through forested swamps and wetlands. Adults feed on other fish, while juveniles feed on insects.

These popular aquarium fish have special cultural significance in areas influenced by Chinese culture. The name dragon fish stems from their resemblance to the Chinese dragon. This popularity has had both positive and negative effects on their status as endangered species.
source: Wikipedia

Photos