Asian arowana
ExploreFish
Asian arowana
Scleropages formosus
The Asian arowana is a beautiful fish known for its shiny scales and long fins. It can swim gracefully in the water and is often called the 'dragon fish' because of its shape.
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and lakes
Appearance
The Asian arowana has a long, slender body covered in large, metallic scales that shimmer in shades of gold, red, or green. Its large mouth is upturned, and it features prominent barbels near its jaw, giving it a distinctive, ancient look.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderOsteoglossiformesFamilyOsteoglossidaeGenusScleropages
Category
FishRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Fossils prove arowanas are 'living fossils,' hardly changing for millions of years!
Males protect their young by holding hundreds of eggs inside their mouths for weeks!
Often called 'dragon fish' due to their ancient look and shimmering, large scales!
They have a bony tongue that helps them crush and hold onto their slippery prey!
Special abilities
Ability
Sky Snapper
Asian arowana can leap high out of the water to snatch prey from overhanging branches, helping them catch food.
Ability
Shimmer Shield
Asian arowana has reflective, iridescent scales that help them blend into their watery surroundings, avoiding predators.
Ability
Paternal Protector
Asian arowana can guard its eggs and fry in its mouth, protecting them from dangers until they hatch.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 60-90 cm
- Weight
- 2-7 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years
- Swim Speed
- 12 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 5 m
- Water Type
- Freshwater
Diet & Feeding
They are active hunters that eat insects, fish, and other small animals.
Age differences: Young eat mostly insects; adults consume larger fish and amphibians.
Primary Foods
- Insects
- Small fish
- Frogs
- Crustaceans
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
False gharial
Tomistoma schlegelii
A large crocodile that preys on fish.
eaten by
Hairy-nosed otter
Lutra sumatrana
Otters are clever hunters of fish.
hunts
Migratory locust
Locusta migratoria
Jumps to snatch these insects from branches.
hunts
Harlequin rasbora
Rasbora heteromorpha
Preys on smaller fish near surface.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
ArowanaDragon Fish
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch fish from a distance and never try to touch them in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Asian arowana?
60-90 cm
How much does Asian arowana weigh?
2-7 kg
How long does Asian arowana live?
15-20 years
What does Asian arowana eat?
They are active hunters that eat insects, fish, and other small animals.
How fast can Asian arowana swim?
12 km/h
Where is Asian arowana usually found?
Freshwater rivers and lakes
How does Asian arowana hunt?
Ambush
How deep can Asian arowana go?
5 m
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