Asian Arowana Care Guide: Legal Regulations, Tank Environment, and Food Selection | ブリちょく
Tropical Fish| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Asian Arowana Care Guide: Legal Regulations, Tank Environment, and Food Selection
Essential knowledge for caring for Asian arowanas (dragon fish). This guide covers CITES registration acquisition, tank environment setup for fish exceeding one meter in length, feed types and feeding methods, and key points for color development management.
Key Takeaways
Essential knowledge for caring for Asian arowanas (dragon fish). This guide covers CITES registration acquisition, tank environment setup for fish exceeding one meter in length, feed types and feeding methods, and key points for color development management.
Asian arowana (scientific name: Scleropages formosus), also called "dragon fish" or "gold dragon fish" because of its golden scales and dragon-like appearance, is one of the most popular ornamental fish species throughout Asia. Despite being one of the world's most prestigious ornamental fish, with rare specimens fetching prices ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of yen, keeping one in Japan requires special legal procedures. This article provides detailed explanations of the fundamental knowledge necessary to legally acquire an Asian arowana and maintain its health over the long term.
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The BreederDirect editorial team specializes in care information for animals, covering veterinary care and breeding to deliver beginner-friendly guides.
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Asian Arowana and Legal Regulations: CITES Registration is Essential
Asian arowanas are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and international commercial trade of wild-caught individuals is prohibited in principle. However, individuals bred in registered facilities (captive-bred individuals) are issued a "CITES registration certificate," which permits legal trade and keeping.
Key Points for Purchasing and Keeping Asian Arowanas in Japan:
Always obtain a copy of the CITES registration certificate (or certification document) from the seller
Individuals have microchips embedded, which can be cross-referenced with the certificate information
Buying, selling, or possessing individuals without registration certificates may violate the "Law for the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora" and the "Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act"
Keeping individuals with registration certificates is possible even in private homes
Before purchasing, always verify that the seller is properly maintaining and providing CITES-related documentation. For Asian arowanas listed on Br-Choku, we recommend confirming the registration certificate information is documented before proceeding with the transaction.
Types of Asian Arowanas and Color Development
Super Red (Kalimantan origin) displays the most premium coloration with its entire body glowing red, and commands the highest price.
Crossback Golden (Malaysia Perak origin) is characterized by golden scales "crossing" the back, symbolizing good fortune and is particularly popular throughout Asia.
24K Golden is a variety with pure-gold-like luster across its entire body.
Green Arowana is more readily available and relatively affordable, making it suitable as a beginner's species.
Color development varies significantly based on lighting, water quality, and diet. To enhance red and golden coloration, specialized color-enhancing lighting (red spectrum-emphasized type) and feeds containing astaxanthin are considered effective.
Tank Environment: Start with 120cm or Larger
Adult Asian arowanas grow to 60–100cm or larger. For long-term keeping, a tank of at least 120cm × 60cm × 60cm (approximately 430L capacity) is necessary. For fully grown individuals, 150cm and 180cm tanks are ideal.
Water Parameter Guidelines:
Temperature: 26–30°C (optimal around 28°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness (GH): 5–12 dH
Ammonia and nitrite: nearly zero
Nitrate: maintain below 50ppm
Filtration should use a powerful external filter for large fish or an overflow system. Asian arowanas produce significant amounts of uneaten food and waste, and weak filtration leads to rapid water quality deterioration. Perform partial water changes (20–30%) at least once weekly as standard practice.
Jump-out prevention is critical. Arowanas have powerful jumping ability, so the tank lid must be weighted or secured. Accidents from jumping out are a persistent problem.
Considerations for Tank Mates
Asian arowanas have high aggression, so tank mate compatibility must be approached with caution, whether with their own species or other species.
Examples of Compatible Tank Mates:
Polypterus species (such as Ornate Bichir, Endlicheri Bichir): bottom-dwelling habits allow niche separation
Large catfish species (such as Red-tailed Black Shark, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish)
Large plecos (such as Sailfin, Royal): they also serve a bottom-cleaning function
Tank Mate Combinations to Avoid: Small fish (become food), other Asian arowanas (territorial conflicts intensify unless in large tanks with multiple individuals)
Feeding: A Balanced Diet with Diverse Foods
Asian arowanas are carnivorous, feeding on insects, frogs, and small fish in the wild. In captivity, the following foods are used:
Live and Frozen Foods:
Goldfish and loaches (note: risk of parasites and disease transmission; quarantine is essential)
Frozen crickets, frozen shrimp, frozen mealworms
Insect-based foods such as Grub Pie
Commercial Pellets: Large-pellet formulas specifically designed for Asian arowanas are available from various manufacturers. While acclimation to these feeds can take time, eventually conditioning them to accept pellets as a stable nutritional source offers management advantages.
Feeding Frequency: Adult fish require feeding only 2–3 times per week. Overfeeding causes water quality deterioration and poor body condition. Offer only what the fish can consume in one feeding, and always remove any uneaten food.
Health Management and Long-Term Care Tips
With proper management, Asian arowanas can live 20 years or longer. Key points for maintaining health are listed below:
Stress Management: Asian arowanas are somewhat shy and sensitive to loud noises and sudden lighting changes. Applying background sheets to the back and sides of the tank helps them feel more secure.
Eye Health: A condition called "drop eye," where the eye droops downward, is thought to be related to the visual angle of feeding. Feeding near the water surface is an effective preventive measure.
Regular Observation: Daily observation of scale condition, body coloration, appetite, and swimming behavior is important for early detection of abnormalities. Unusual behavior patterns may indicate illness or environmental stress.
While Asian arowanas have high legal and husbandry requirements, enthusiasts worldwide are deeply fascinated by their majestic appearance and the long-term relationship they offer. On Br-Choku, you can find CITES-registered Asian arowanas managed by trustworthy domestic breeders. If you're new to keeping them, we strongly recommend consulting with knowledgeable breeders as you consider taking on this responsibility.
