Zoolung Animals

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Arowana

The arowana is a large freshwater fish with a long, streamlined body. Its mouth faces upward, which is why it tends to swim near the water’s surface. It is also known to leap out of the water by lifting its body high above the surface. Because of this behavior, it is sometimes called the “dragon fish.” In some regions, it is regarded as a symbol of good luck and wealth.

Category

Order: Osteoglossiformes Family: Osteoglossidae
Habitat

Rivers, lakes, and other bodies of freshwater
Diet

Small fish, insects

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Related Programs

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Arowana Ecology Seminar

Species

Fish (Teleostei)

This ancient fish belongs to the ‘Chondrichthyes’ order, which includes fish with bony structures in their mouths. Because its scales resemble those of a dragon, it is also known as the **‘Dragon Fish’**.

Place of discovery

Amazon, Southeast Asia, Australia

Habitats vary depending on the species. The silver arowana is found in the Amazon, while the Asian arowana is primarily found in Southeast Asia.

Habitat

Rivers and swamps of the rainforest

They mainly live near the water's surface. To hunt for prey floating on the water's surface, they prefer to swim near the surface.

Diet

Carnivorous

It feeds on small fish, insects, and frogs. In the wild, it sometimes jumps out of the water to catch insects, small birds, and even bats perched on branches.

Action

A Hunter on the Water and a Father’s Love

They are known for their powerful jumping ability and for practicing **‘mouthbrooding’**, in which the male keeps the eggs in his mouth until they hatch.

Average size

60 cm to 1.2 meters

Silver arowanas can grow to over 1 meter in length, and Asian arowanas are also large fish that typically grow to between 60 and 90 cm.

Features

A symbol of good luck

They are regarded as fish that bring good luck and wealth, and rare varieties command high prices.

Lifespan

Ages 10 to 20 and older

In a well-maintained aquarium, they can live for over 20 years. They are highly intelligent and can even recognize their owners.