Arowana (Scleropages formosus)|
Comments: There are more than six known species of Arowanas, and all of them can grow to be more 36" long. So these are fish for very large aquariums.
Arowanas are often called Dragon Fish or Arrowanas.
This video shows a Silver Arowana Fish, which is one of six known species of Arowana.
This video shows two Asian Arowanas. One of them is more metallic and may be a male, and the other is less metallic and may be a female.
Arowana Fish Survey in the Lundu-Sematan Area, Sarawak
Based on questionnaires conducted in 1992, the Batang Kayan and the Samunsam areas were identified as localities where arowana fish was frequently found in the 1980's, some measuring to 2 feet in total length. A sudden profitable trade in arowana in the mid 1980's had fish entrepreneur scavanging the areas for the fish, resulting in its decline in population.
After acquiring the fullest possible understanding of the habitats to be surveyed and the habits of the fish to be sampled, two factors determine the survey methods to be adopted:
* Only fishes in the adult stage need to be inventoried.
* Arowana (Scleropages formosus) need to be captured, possibly alive, for future captive breeding studies.
The physical parameters like oxygen content, slightly acidic standing water and secluded habitats have all the necessary ingredients of arowana's habitat. In the Arowana survey, the dipnet method is adopted. Dipnet is a form of active netting where fishes captured are required to be kept alive. This is implemented during the nocturnal hours (with the aid of headlamps) because, during the night, the arowana can be detected by their reddish eyeshine. The best months for the survey would be in September and October, highly possible to be the arowana breeding season and its biology had been known to breed in the upper reaches of a river.
Both Batang Kayan and Samunsam River had been positively identified as arowana's habitat. In the future, more rivers of Sarawak will be surveyed and a complete population distribution list will be compiled.
Green Arowana Fish (Scleropages formosus)
Description: Known as Kelesa, Green Arowana is a large fresh water fish with numerous primitive features. It is, indeed a member of the most ancient group of fish, and has been labelled as a relict fish, a living fossil and so forth. Kelesa is characterized by an elongated body, well-developed outsized stout bony scales, large eyes, a bony covering on the head, and deeply oriented pectoral fins. Its body is greatly compressed along the sides, and its belly is keeled. The gape of its mouth is very large and steeply inclined, being directed diagonally upward. The jaws have a row of small pointed teeth. Two small barbels are present on its lower jaw, these are extendable and can touch objects around the fish. Its dorsal fin is located near the tail end. It is smaller than the anal fin which has an origin in front of it. The edges of the dorsal, caudal and anal fins are rounded.
Habit and Habitat: The Kelesa is a predatory fish inhabiting quiet, clear waters, usually singly but sometimes in small schools. It is generally to be found near weeds, rushes and particularly those pockets in the bank where leaves and driftwood collect and where there is often a fallen tree.
Food habit: It feeds chiefly on insects, and large specimens prey upon other fishes. Its diet has also been described to include worms, spiders, small lizards, small snakes and frogs.
Distribution: It was first described by Miller and Schlegel in 1845 from a specimen from River Doeson, Borneo. The first record in Peninsular Malaysia appears to be in 1992. In addition to Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, it also occurs in Thailand, Cambodia, and Sumatra in rivers and lakes.
Status: A protected species in Sarawak.
TIPS: MOVING A 1 FOOT AROWANA TO A NEW TANK
When you do change tank, try to ensure that the water is roughly of the same pH and temperature, if unsure, use half the water from the old tank. As for the "Deco" in the tank .... Yes, the fish will feel more "at home" with some objects (but not sharp ones which can descale the fish, use round-shaped smooth looking rocks) ... some gravel at the bottom, use under gravel filters. The arowana is a very hardy fish. It's carnivorous and has huge appetite. Just make sure you train it to take some pellet food to balance the Nutrition intake. Fishes are rich in protein , pellets has vitamins, essential minerals etc. You may have to starve it to "force it" to take some pellets. Maybe keep one or two medium size "Lompang" ( Malaysian Native Barb or more commonly known as Tinfoil Barb - size up to 14" ) which will not be shy in taking the pellets. The arowana will follow suit once it's hungry and notice other fishes taking the food. You have to be patient in practising this feeding.
As for moving the fish ...... you will need to get hold of some bottled medication from the fish shops that's used to "anaesthetize" (make the fish dizzy and struggle less) large fishes, the medication will take up to an hour or more to work. Apply it slowly as not to cause sudden shock to the fish. Read the instructions carefully ... get hold of a 1 foot net will do, then scoop out the fish .... mix some of existing aquarium water in the new tank (the water before medication treatment) . The fish should recover 30-45 minutes.
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