Arowanas
Arowanas, also known as bonytongues, are members of the family and are renowned for their distinctive appearance and behaviors. These fish inhabit a diverse range of regions, including South America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Guinea. Arowanas are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies covered with large, overlapping scales. They are notably distinguished from members of the Arapaimidae family, such as the Arapaima, by their barbels at the symphysis of the lower jaw and their huge mouth with a distinctly oblique gape.
In the wild, arowanas are typically found in quiet, slow-moving waters such as rivers, swamps, and floodplains. They are known for their impressive aerial abilities; arowanas can leap out of the water to catch prey or escape predators. This acrobatic behavior is facilitated by their strong, flexible bodies and powerful tails.
Feeding habits vary by life stage. Adult arowanas are predominantly carnivorous, preying on smaller fish, amphibians, and large insects. Their diet often includes other fish species and occasionally small vertebrates. Juvenile arowanas, on the other hand, primarily feed on small insects and invertebrates. Their feeding strategy involves capturing prey with their broad, protruding mouths, which are adapted to snatch insects and small fish from the water’s surface.
Arowanas are also known for their sophisticated sensory adaptations. They possess a specialized lateral line system that allows them to detect vibrations and movements in the water, which aids in hunting and navigation. Additionally, their large, reflective scales help them blend into their environments, providing camouflage from predators and prey alike.
In captivity, arowanas are prized for their striking appearance and are often kept as ornamental fish. Their care requires a large tank with ample swimming space, and they thrive in warm, well-oxygenated water. Arowanas are considered symbols of prosperity and good fortune in various cultures, particularly in Asia, where they are often associated with feng shui.
There are 2 genera and about 5 species worldwide. Two species of Osteoglossum genus are found in South America; Osteoglossum bicirrhosum (Silver Arowana) and Osteoglossum ferreirai (Black Arowana). The other 3 species of Scleopages genus are found in Southeast Asia and Australia; Scleropages formosus (Asian Bonytongue), Scleropages jardinii (Australian Bonytongue) and Scleropages leichardti (Southern Saratoga). And possibly a fourth Scleopages species, Scleropages inscriptus from Tananthayi or Tenasserim River basin in Myanmar.
In the wild, arowanas are typically found in quiet, slow-moving waters such as rivers, swamps, and floodplains. They are known for their impressive aerial abilities; arowanas can leap out of the water to catch prey or escape predators. This acrobatic behavior is facilitated by their strong, flexible bodies and powerful tails.
Feeding habits vary by life stage. Adult arowanas are predominantly carnivorous, preying on smaller fish, amphibians, and large insects. Their diet often includes other fish species and occasionally small vertebrates. Juvenile arowanas, on the other hand, primarily feed on small insects and invertebrates. Their feeding strategy involves capturing prey with their broad, protruding mouths, which are adapted to snatch insects and small fish from the water’s surface.
Arowanas are also known for their sophisticated sensory adaptations. They possess a specialized lateral line system that allows them to detect vibrations and movements in the water, which aids in hunting and navigation. Additionally, their large, reflective scales help them blend into their environments, providing camouflage from predators and prey alike.
In captivity, arowanas are prized for their striking appearance and are often kept as ornamental fish. Their care requires a large tank with ample swimming space, and they thrive in warm, well-oxygenated water. Arowanas are considered symbols of prosperity and good fortune in various cultures, particularly in Asia, where they are often associated with feng shui.
There are 2 genera and about 5 species worldwide. Two species of Osteoglossum genus are found in South America; Osteoglossum bicirrhosum (Silver Arowana) and Osteoglossum ferreirai (Black Arowana). The other 3 species of Scleopages genus are found in Southeast Asia and Australia; Scleropages formosus (Asian Bonytongue), Scleropages jardinii (Australian Bonytongue) and Scleropages leichardti (Southern Saratoga). And possibly a fourth Scleopages species, Scleropages inscriptus from Tananthayi or Tenasserim River basin in Myanmar.
Scientific Name: Scleropages formosus (Müller & Schlegel, 1840)
English Name: Asian Bonytongue, Malayan Bonytongue, Dragonfish, Golden Arowana, Asian Arowana
Chinese Name | 鱼类中文名: 金龙鱼 (Jīnlóng yú)
Malay Name | Bahasa Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Kelisa, Kelesa, Baju Rantai
Bahasa Indonesia: Ikan Khayangan, Siluk, Arwana
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาตะพัด (Plā tap hạd), ปลาหางเข้ (Plā h̄āng k̄hê), ปลามังกร (Plā mạngkr)
Local Hokkien: Kim Leng Hu
Main Identification Features: Elongated, knife shaped compressed body, with a rounded tail fin and large dorsal, pectoral and anal fins. The lower jaw bears two, short barbels.
Size: Maximum total length about 90 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Lives in lakes, deep parts of swamps, flooded forests and stretches of deep rivers with slow currents and dense, overhanging vegetation. Feeds on insects, arachnids, small fishes and vertebrates. A mouth brooder, after spawning, the male will carries the eggs with its mouth. Native to the Mekong basin in Vietnam and Cambodia, southeastern Thailand, Tananthayi or Tenasserim region of Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra.
Remarks: One of the world’s most expensive cultivated ornamental fishes. Three major colour varieties of Scleropages formosus occur naturally; the green, golden and red varieties.
English Name: Asian Bonytongue, Malayan Bonytongue, Dragonfish, Golden Arowana, Asian Arowana
Chinese Name | 鱼类中文名: 金龙鱼 (Jīnlóng yú)
Malay Name | Bahasa Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Kelisa, Kelesa, Baju Rantai
Bahasa Indonesia: Ikan Khayangan, Siluk, Arwana
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาตะพัด (Plā tap hạd), ปลาหางเข้ (Plā h̄āng k̄hê), ปลามังกร (Plā mạngkr)
Local Hokkien: Kim Leng Hu
Main Identification Features: Elongated, knife shaped compressed body, with a rounded tail fin and large dorsal, pectoral and anal fins. The lower jaw bears two, short barbels.
Size: Maximum total length about 90 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Lives in lakes, deep parts of swamps, flooded forests and stretches of deep rivers with slow currents and dense, overhanging vegetation. Feeds on insects, arachnids, small fishes and vertebrates. A mouth brooder, after spawning, the male will carries the eggs with its mouth. Native to the Mekong basin in Vietnam and Cambodia, southeastern Thailand, Tananthayi or Tenasserim region of Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra.
Remarks: One of the world’s most expensive cultivated ornamental fishes. Three major colour varieties of Scleropages formosus occur naturally; the green, golden and red varieties.
