The Arowana

Selecting your First Arowana

If you’re ready to purchase an asian arowana, it’s likely you’ve committed significant resources in preparing appropriate housing. To help ensure you own and enjoy your arowana for many years to come, be prepared to devote a similar amount of effort to the selection of your arowana. It may be necessary to put off a purchase to prevent making a hasty compromise. Develop the skills necessary to choose the right fish to avoid disappointment or disaster.

Trade Regulations and the Market

One of the factors affecting the selection of Arowanas available for purchase is the highly regulated nature of their trade. Asian Arowanas are classified by CITES as endangered, protected species. Illegal hunting or trade violations exact heavy penalties. It is up to you to know and abide by laws governing arowana trade.

Some nations (including the United States) forbid the trade of Asian Arowanas. Others require permits to be obtained from both the countries of export and import. Under no circumstances is it appropriate to purchase or obtain an arowana illegally. Not only is it against the law and the best interest of the species, but black-market fish tend to be of poor quality and their health is often compromised.

There are a variety of other species to choose from if Asian Arowanas cannot be legally obtained or afforded. Australian and South American Arowanas can be quite beautiful and intriguing fish. Both are often available in pet shops or specialty aquarium stores. Non-Asian varieties may lack the brilliant coloration associated with more sought after arowanas. But they all tend to generally display the most majestic traits virtually all arowanas share.

Regardless of the species of arowana you are choosing, keep two main factors in mind when you initially begin to shop:

1. Color is one of the main determinants of most arowana species’ value. Be aware that age affects coloration, and color may be induced artificially. Consider tone, luster and brightness when evaluating coloration.

2. Scales are also a measure of worth and an important indication of health. Arowana scales should be large, bright and distinctly framed. They should be evenly layered with no discoloration. Shed scales are replaced with growth, but beware of signs of infection or injury on your arowana.

In order to evaluate color and scales for optimum quality and health, it is wise to examine a large number of arowanas from as many different sources as possible. Practice is paramount to successful evaluation, and a trained eye often detects all but invisible variations or imperfections.

Examine the specimens you intend to purchase at a variety of ages if possible. If your resources are limited in terms of where you can view a large number of arowanas, turn to books or the internet instead. Note discrepancies and identify appealing traits as you visually evaluate more specimens.

As you become more experienced at evaluating the color and scales of arowanas, turn your eye to other features that also denote quality and health. Arowanas are also graded according to the condition and characteristics of the following:

• Gills
• Fins & Tail
• Mouth
• Eyes
• Shape
• Swimming Style

The trained observer is more likely to spot poor health or quality based on these criteria. Yet personal preference is also important when selecting your arowana. Never be persuaded to purchase an arowana you are not immediately and personally impressed by. As you learn to evaluate an arowana's features, personal preferences tend to evolve. Only upon reaching this level of experience can you hope to select an arowana that will meet or exceed your highest expectations both short and long-term.