[Merged]Arowana-merged with Arowana/Kelisa Club by mamantaro

Acong

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.

[swf=320,240]http://www.baileys-fish.com/videos/arowana_silver_01.avi[/swf]



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.

[swf=320,240]http://www.baileys-fish.com/videos/arowanas_asian_01.avi[/swf]


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.

[ Last edited by  ati1402 at 26-7-2007 11:33 PM ]

Acong

Before you make the decision to go out and buy an arowana for yourself, it is important for you to know the common types of arowanas available in your area, and the difference between them.

Keeping a arowana is a life time commitment. Arowana is a wonderful creature that can live longer then 20 years. Hence keeping arowana is a almost a lifetime commitment. Think twice before buying a arowana. DO NOT buy arowana on impulse. Anyone planning to keep an arowana should do some research before laying his/her hand on the fish. Pay particular attention to its need and the time to be spend in upbringing the fish. These information can be found in other parts of my page. If you think that you can provide the right environment and tender loving care for the fish, go for it. I can reassure you that all effort spend on your arowana will be worthwhile when you see your lovely friend thriving in your living room.

Acong

Color

The most important criteria is the color of the fish because it is often the color that first attracts the hobbyist. Hence, if the body shape is attractive but the color is not, it cannot be considered perfect. According to the different types of Dragon Fish, the standard colors differ. BEWARE OF FAKE RED AND BLOOD AROWANAS IN THE MARKET! One way of preventing this is to get your fish from a CITES registered farm and make sure that the farm has a good sales record.


Body Shape

The ideal shape is one that is proportionate, neither too fat nor too thin. Essential to look after its environment and the food that it takes.

The space (size of tank) directly affects the growth and progress of the body. A limited space may result in its stunted size, or rounded, hunched shape. Basically the length of the tank should be 3 times the average length Dragon Fish during the growing stage.

Food should be nutritious. Besides fish and prawns, other types of food may be fed. Do not allow the Dragon Fish to be inclined to one type or eat too much. Feeding should be well controlled.


Scales

Scales are the Dragon Fish抯 distinctive feature. Neatly layered and slippery scales are comparable to the good complexion of a person. The scales should be even and radiant. They should not have dark spots, although red spots are welcome as they are considered auspicious.

Many people have a misconception about the scales. They think that when the scales drop off, they may not be replaced naturally. The only point to note is in replacement, it has an itchy sensation causing it to rub its body against the side of the aquarium. This may cause the fish to be damaged. To prevent this, it is advisable to remove anything that may cause injury in the aquarium.   If there is loss of scales, they can grow back after 3 to 5 weeks.  While they are being replaced, the water condition should be noted so as to prevent harmful bacteria from proliferating.   If any scale is out of shape, it could be removed by anesthetize the fish during the operation. A new scale will eventually grow in its place.


Mandibular Barbels (Whiskers)

Many fish lovers have high regard for the Dragon Fish抯 whiskers because they resemble the dragon抯 horns - a sign of blessing.

Mandibular barbels must be equally long, straight and the color similar to its body-color. These act as an extension of the Dragon Fish抯 power. Any broken, shortened or bent whiskers may mean a reduction to its majestic appearance.

  
How then can these whiskers be preserved and maintained?   

First of all, one must prepare ample space for free activity and to prevent the whiskers from getting damaged. Without this ample space, the Dragon Fish抯 whiskers cannot grow properly and the tips may rub against the sides of the aquarium thus getting damaged.

Points to consider:-

Do not decorate aquarium with furnishings such as rocks and other decorations.
Do not drop food in a corner. They should be put in the Centre of the aquarium.
Do not knock against the aquarium to cause the Dragon Fish to be shocked or frightened.
Cover the aquarium with a thick glass, the edges of which should be smoothened and rounded.
The above 4 points can help to prevent the Dragon Fish抯 whiskers from getting damaged in its excitement or when it is frightened.

Should the whiskers be broken or damaged, the recovery period varies according to the age of the Dragon Fish. Normally a young Dragon Fish recovers faster than an older Dragon Fish.

Whiskers may be damaged in 2 ways:-

At the root: When this occurs, recovery may be difficult even for a young Dragon Fish.
Away from: It is necessary to decide whether to leave it to grow the root back naturally, or to use a needle to help speed the growth. Even if the whisker is bent but not broken, it is best to cut it off so that it will not be out of shape when regrown.


Fins

The fins of the Dragon Fish are like its limbs. Any damaged fin can affect the Dragon Fish抯 graceful movement and ultimately the beauty of the whole fish.

A beautiful fin should be smooth and outstretched, with all its hard rays straight and smooth. There should be no tear.

Care should begin with the baby Dragon Fish. At this stage, it should not be given too much space. The fish is easily frightened as it feels insecure in a spacious environment. In dashing about at every slightest disturbance, often suffers injuries.

A smaller space which gives the fish a feeling of security will also enable the fish to be more active, thereby strengthening its fins.

When it is at the adolescent stage and more stable, it can then be transferred into a larger aquarium.

To avoid hurt to fins, these points should be noted:

Do not install ornamental displays such as rocks and other decorations.
Do not rear with other fishes in the same tank.
To lift the young, fine net should be used. When it reaches 15 cm, net should not be used. Hold in plastic bag instead.

If a piece of the hard ray of the fin is injured, it could be gently removed at the base and a new ray will grow in its place. In case of more rays, then the Dragon Fish needs to be given anesthesia before operation to remove the broken rays with a pair of scissors.

When fin-rays are broken, they need to be treated immediately, especially tail fins, as the Dragon Fish depends largely on its tail fin to move about.

Although fins may recover by themselves, they may be disfigured when they do.

After surgery, a replaced fin can be almost perfect, except it may be a little wavy.

However, it is best to get a specialist to perform the operation.


Eyes

In the natural environment, the eyes are focused above water-level to search for live food. However, when the fish is reared in a fish tank which is transparent all round, the eyes tend to focus downwards due to distractions around and as food is readily found around and at the bottom of the tank.

The hobbyist need not be unduly worried about the fish抯 health although the value of the fish is affected by this phenomena. This is only a natural adaptation to its environment.

A good quality fish抯 eyes must be centralised, compact and focused, not droopy or protruding. They must revolve naturally and be shaped evenly, sparkle brightly and clear.

In the aquarium, the Dragon Fish抯 eyes tend to focus downwards sometimes because:-

1.  When it is kept in an aquarium, its feeding habit changes because its prey are no longer floating above but are at the bottom of the aquarium.
2.  It gets distracted by movement outside the glass panels of its aquarium.
3.  It does not exercise enough, so fat is accumulated to bulge or protrude within the socket of the eyes causing the eyes to protrude or droop.


Mouth

When close the upper and lower lips must not protrude. The lower jaw should not be loose. In the fish tank, the fish often rubs against the glass wall resulting in the loosening of the jaw muscles. To avoid this, the space must be increased or install a water jet to increase the speed flow of the water.


Teeth

Generally, fish hobbyists do not pay much attention to its teeth. However, its teeth are quite important.

If the teeth of the fish are not healthy, they will affect the fish抯 health.


Gill Covers

Normal gill covers should be smooth and flat with no scratches or wrinkles. The following points should be noted:-

Do not install ornamental displays in the aquarium.

Maintain the right temperature. Gill covers and head tissues may wrinkle if temperature is too high. A vast change in temperature may cause the fish to suffer tilted gill covers.

Change water regularly and maintain cleanliness and the best water condition.

Raise oxygen content in the water.

If there is any injury in the gill region, fish-treatment medication should be put into the water to prevent bacteria infecting wound.


Vent

A healthy fish抯 vent should be horizontally located at the pelvic region. It should not be easily seen. If the vent protrudes it means the fish has a stomach problem- revealing the unhealthy state of the fish.

Exception is when the fish is due to deliver eggs or after it has delivered.


Swimming Style

The style of movement is important in enhancing its beauty. A beautiful fish that does not swim gracefully can affect its aesthetic value. Correct posture is to swim vertically in water, spreading out all its fins. The mandibular barbels must be straight. It must be able to turn swiftly. Moving up and down or diagonally is not ideal.

Acong

Gamettes with 1 inch baby fish attached (about 3 weeks from free swimming).

Acong

Acong

Tak siap lagi ni! Loading jadik lembap tak? Ader 2 clip movie avi.

Acong

Blue Base Malaysian Golden


Malaysian Golden


Golden Base Malaysian Golden


Gold Base Malaysian Golden








An example of aerial capture.  The white line marks the surface of the water.

Acong

[quote]Originally posted by Th

Acong

[quote]Originally posted by Th

ThaNks for de inFo bro

dah banyak kali dah aku masuk thread ni, geram lak tengok ikan2 tu. terlintas plak nak tanye kat korang, kut2 sape2 yg tahu tempat nak beli arowana yg murah, kat pemborong ker..kat penternak ker..ada tak ??
sebab aku dengar kat Muar ada pusat ternakan arowana..ada sape2 yg ada info pasal tempat tu tak?.

kalau kalian nak blue arowana, beli kat bukit merah, keluar kat bukit merah nye tol, menghala ke Selama, ada kat tepi jalan tu ada orang jual arowana, rumah kampong jer..dalam rumah dia penoh dengan blue arowana, tapi harga dia tinggi gak. i kaki ada la dalam rm 4 k..

kalau nak beli flowerhorn, datang ke sungai buluh, ada gedong ternak flowerhorn, banyak skit pilihan dan harga pon ok skit berbanding kedai biasa.

Acong

Harga sekor yellow tail arowana kat area Seri Kembangan sekitar RM130 - RM180 (2 - 3 inci) bergantung pada Gred. Semua ader sijil CITES! Bukit Merah Super Red berharga RM2.5K hingga RM 5K! Hoohoo! Mahal siot!

Acong

HAri tu ader merayap gi Taman Sea! Peh ader display ikan jerung (yu pasir) ngan ikan pari bintik.

alamak..boleh tahan gak kan harga dia...nanti la..kita carik lubang baik nye..boleh kongsi2 kat sini..

http://www2.wbs.ne.jp/~arowana/egallery.htm

<~ 2 jam aku belek gambar nie.cuci mata sambil berangan..
:stp:

BuBb|eS

lahh......macam mana korang post pic korang kat forum ni????
aku pun nak share pic dua ekor arawana aku gak....golden & silver.....
ajar leh eh.....

Originally posted by BuBb|eS at 2003-9-27 06:22 AM:
lahh......macam mana korang post pic korang kat forum ni????
aku pun nak share pic dua ekor arawana aku gak....golden & silver.....
ajar leh eh.....

Ko upload jerr kat geocities!...

PlutoNium

hari ni first day red tail arowana aku bawak balik rumah dari kedai....bermulalah era baru lepas kematian 3 ekor last year...hahaha

Originally posted by PlutoNium at 7-10-2003 03:36 PM:
hari ni first day red tail arowana aku bawak balik rumah dari kedai....bermulalah era baru lepas kematian 3 ekor last year...hahaha

Red tail ek?...bape ko beliiii?...hehehe!...

PlutoNium

Originally posted by DewaSakti at 9-10-2003 18:45:
Red tail ek?...bape ko beliiii?...hehehe!...

RM1500 termasuk akuarium 4 kaki...(budget murah)

kalau ada rezeki aku nak cari wild super red pulak... kau ada kawan kat sumatera?
:cool:

Acong

super red harga dier kat serdang jaya dari RM2800 hingga RM4800! still can bargain for lower price!

Acong

Panjang arowana tu dalam 1 hingga 2 kaki!