Home › Actinopterygii › Osteoglossidae › Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus)
Scleropages
IUCN STATUS
Endangered
CONSERVATION STATUS
Endangered
CLASS
Actinopterygii
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Freshwater rivers, lakes
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Actinopterygii
ORDER
Osteoglossiformes
FAMILY
Osteoglossidae
GENUS
Scleropages
📋 Description
SIZE
60-90 cm, 4-6 kg
COLORATION
Greenish-gold; large scales
ADAPTATIONS
Mouthbrooding; agile swimmer
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Freshwater rivers, lakes
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
REPRODUCTION
Mouthbrooder; 20-50 eggs
DIET DETAILS
Fish, insects
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Overfishing, aquarium trade
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Feng Shui Fortune: Prized as a symbol of wealth in Asian cultures, arowanas are believed to bring prosperity, with rare specimens sold for thousands of dollars. Their shimmering scales and dragon-like appearance fuel demand, driving conservation challenges.
2
Protective Parents: Males brood eggs in their mouths for up to two months, fasting to protect their young until they're strong enough to swim independently. This intense parental care, seen in Lake Kenyir, ensures high survival rates in predator-rich waters.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Lake Kenyir
Kinabatangan River
Tasik Bera
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
April-October. Dry season improves water clarity for spotting arowana in lakes.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Take boat tours with guides to locate arowana in shallow waters.
