How to Identify Asian Arowana

To identify Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Highly variable depending on the variety: Green Arowanas are greenish-silver; Golden Arowanas range from pale gold to deep gold, often with red fins; Red Arowanas (Super Red, Chili Red, Blood Red) exhibit intense red coloration on scales, fins, and lips; Silver Arowanas (often confused with South American Silver Arowana, but refers to a specific Asian morph) are silvery-white. All varieties typically have large, reflective scales.

Scale type

ganoid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Large, prominent scales with a mosaic pattern, A pair of barbels on the lower jaw, Large, upward-facing eyes, A large, oblique mouth, Dorsal and anal fins set far back on the body, almost merging with the caudal fin, Powerful, muscular body

Dorsal fin

Single, short, and located far back on the body, opposite the anal fin.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly truncated, often appearing fan-like.

Pectoral fin

Large and paddle-shaped, used for slow, deliberate movements.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally. The dorsal and anal fins are positioned posteriorly, giving the fish a streamlined appearance for ambush predation.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Barbels

   Presence of two prominent barbels on the tip of the lower jaw, a key distinguishing feature from other large freshwater fish.

2. 2

   Scales

   Very large, distinct, and often iridescent scales with a mosaic pattern. The number of scales along the lateral line is typically 21-25.

3. 3

   Fin Placement

   Dorsal and anal fins are positioned very far back on the body, close to the caudal fin, giving a 'dragon-like' silhouette.

4. 4

   Mouth

   Large, upward-pointing mouth, adapted for surface feeding.

5. 5

   Coloration

   Specific color patterns (e.g., intense red, golden, green) are indicative of different varieties within S. formosus.

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