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Buying an Arowana for the first time can be both exciting and yet overwhelming for the new hobbyists, as they are presented with a wealth of choices. This guide to choosing your first Arowana is written with those new to the hobby in mind . As one’s experience, knowledge and expectations grows, factors like an Arowanas potential and bloodline comes into consideration.
Enjoy the hobby and the pride that comes with owning the legendary Dragon Fish!
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and one person’s definition of beauty might defer with another. Hence in this checklist, we will be focusing on the signs of a healthy Arowana.
Body Parts | Things to Look Out For |
Scales | ❑ Arowana Scales should be shining/radiant and complete. ❑ The coloration of the scales should be even and clear. ❑ There should be no decaying scales. |
Head | ❑ The head should be free of any holes/injuries. ❑ Ratio of its head to its body should be 1:3. |
Mouth | ❑ The mouth should close properly with the ends of the top jaw and bottom jaw meeting. ❑ There should be no protrusions, bleeding or pus. |
Barbel | ❑ Both barbels should be of equal length, straight and pointing upwards. ❑ Barbels should not have any granule-like particles on them. |
Fins | ❑ All fins should be fully stretched without damages. ❑ Appears translucent without signs of blood clotting at the base. |
Gills | ❑ The colour of the gills should be clear and fresh red. ❑ Breathing should be regular, not irregular/rapid. |
Operculum (Gill Flap) | ❑ Operculum should be close to its body and not curled. ❑ Operculum of matured RTG and Crossbacks should appear shiny instead of dull coloured. ❑ Matured red Arowanas should have bright orangey-red, orange or red colours, etc. |
Eyes | ❑ Both eyes should be of same sizes and full, not dented or bulging. ❑ Cornea should be bright and clear, not cloudy. |
Vent | ❑ Its vent should be tight, not protruded/swollen or bloody red. |
You may want to bring this checklist along when shopping for your first arowana – Download Arowana Health Checklist here.