Some points to note when purchasing an Arowana fish:
All info and pictures are from internet
Swimming Posture - is
amongst some of the important features when selecting an Arowana. Good swimming posture, coupled with stunning colors is the
main reason why so many people are attracted to Arowana. It is the only mode of channel
that the Dragon Fish can exhibit its grand and majestic beauty with. A good swimming posture is one with ease and effortless;
turning should be smooth, graceful and at a moderately slow speed. At all times,
its body should be straight, horizontal and at the top portion of the waters. When swimming, the front portion (including
the head) of the body should remain stable and only the back portion (including the tail) demonstrates a wavy motion and in
a gliding manner. Overall, swimming postures should be smooth and flexible as opposed
to one that is stiff and jerky. A fish that swims with its head moving is probably
a sick fish. A fish that swims with its body at an angle probably has a swimming bladder
problem and such.
Body Shape - is
another important area. A nice body shape refers to one that is broad, and proportionate
with large fins and a pointed mouth. Apart from Chili Red, generally select an
arowana with a little slope between its head and its back. A broad body shape is an
important aspect to the overall beauty of this fish, since it enhances the value of the fish with its massive appearance and
great body. Compared to its Red counterpart, the Cross Back Golden's body shape is generally
less proportionate. The Cross Back have bigger head and eye, shorter body and smaller
fins as compared to the Red Arowana. As for Chili Red, spoon-headed shape with a very wide body is preferred since
it gives a prosperous and forceful look.
Tail / Fins - should be big and proportionate to the body shape of the fish. Fins must be fully wide open when
swimming and both pectoral fins must be widespread. Avoid choosing any fish with prolonged clamped fins. Fins color must be
dark and strong with smooth even hard fin rays. The Cross Back Golden finnage is generally smaller as compared to the
other species. Take note of this when making a selection.
Barbels - should
be strong, straight, of equal length, pointing upwards and opens up like a Chinese Character Eight. Most importantly, the barbels should not be crooked and damaged anywhere near the root. The ideal color of the barbels is of the same color as its body and this is especially true for the
Super Red arowana. Strong and long barbels indicate good conditions of the fish.
Eyes - should
be proportionate to the overall size and shape of the body with each eye completely clear and of the same size and shape as the other. The black portion of the eyes should
be just right in size, relative to the overall size of the eyes and avoid choosing
a fish with overly protruding eyes. Generally, the Cross Back Golden will have bigger eyes.
Mouth / Lips - of
arowana should be closed tightly without any kind of gap. Any kind of protruding of
upper lip or lower lip is disastrous if too obvious. As a feature of Dragon Fish, the
mouth should be considerably large, up-pointing, proud and arrogant looking.
Scales - should
be bright, distinctive from one another, as large as possible, neatly arranged and not crooked.
Gills Cover - should be smooth and flat to its body, gill motions should not be too obvious when
the fish is breathing.
Don't buy a fish just because your friends say it is attractive and good. Consider
carefully and see what's available. Always remember that Dragon Fish can grow up to 2ft when mature, so I recommend a big
tank with a minimum of 4ft in length and 2ft in width.
