Asian Arowana
Scleropages formosus
The Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus) is a large surface-feeding freshwater fish from slow rivers, peat swamps, and flooded forests of Southeast Asia. Known in the aquarium world as the dragon fish, it has heavy metallic scales, a bony tongue, upturned mouth, and paired barbels at the lower jaw. Red, gold, green, and other regional color forms are recognized in trade, though their names vary by breeder and exporting country.
This is not a casual aquarium fish. Asian arowanas grow large, jump powerfully, and require warm, stable water, excellent filtration, and a covered tank or indoor pond with room to turn. They eat meaty foods and are often kept singly or with carefully chosen robust tankmates. Because wild populations were heavily depleted, international trade is regulated under CITES and legal specimens are typically captive-bred, tagged, and sold with paperwork. In some countries ownership or import is prohibited, so legality matters before price, color, or pedigree.
