The Asian arowana is more commonly known as the Chinese dragon fish in the local areas where it is found. There are great myths and legends that surround this great fish which have lead to its popularity as a pet in many households worldwide. The Asian arowana has now become one of the most valuable and collected fish in the arowana breed. In Asian and Chinese folklore the arowana fish is said to radiate luck, wealth and prosperity onto its owner and household.
This arowana fish is a freshwater fish that is to be found in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These great fish which have lived on the planet for almost 140 million years have remained virtually unchanged in this time period which is remarkable. They are known to grow to between 3-4 feet in length in an aquarium but have been known to grow bigger in there normal environment.
The arowana itself like most of the breeds of arowana is a carnivore. Basically it will eat most fish or animals that is small enough to put in its mouth. So you are looking at a basic diet of small insects, frogs and even small birds. This fish can also jump from the water if needs be to catch its prey and has been known to jump up to 1 meter out of a river. Its this arowanas slender long muscular body which gives it the arrow like jumping ability.
As stated before, this breed of arowana fish is the most collectable and most valuable of tall he wild arowanas today. With this title comes a down side, the Asian arowana has now become very scarce and has been placed on the CITES endangered list. The CITES treaty is one of the toughest and most restrictive forces on international trade and there is heavy penalties in many countries worldwide for the illegal owning of an Asian arowana. In the U.S., owning one of these fish is completely prohibited under the Endangered Species Act (except for public zoos and aquariums, if they can obtain permits).
The reasons for the scarcity of the Asian arowana can come down to a few factors.
1. Over fishing for food by local communities in southeast asia.
2. The illegal catching of the wild Asian arowana for the aquarium trade. The red and asian arowana is used in the set up of feng shui aquariums and they command high prices.
3. With town and city expansion today the arowanas natural environment and breeding grounds are becoming smaller and under pressure, leading to the disappearance of the fish.
To combat the disappearance of the great Asian arowana CITES have set up a number of monitored fish farms in southeast Asia to supply fish to the aquarium trade. Each fish bred and sold from these fish farms is documented with a certificate and implanted with a microchip. This is to help clamp down on illegal arowana coming into the supply system.
I hope this will give up some insight into the highs and lows faced by the Asian arowana today.