StartOfTheBull… I know who you are. Happy 😃 to know StartOfTheBull Aka ialah … owner please fill in your own name

DeMusang dah MIA in Ukraine pergi perang Russia.🇷🇺.
MrFox Aka … I know who you are. Happy 😃 to know MrFox Aka ialah … owner please fill in your own name

Balian Sir, cepat buy green Arowana. Pasti Scib green big one.☝️

Come on. Can’t Fifo. Balian Sifu, cepat push up 🆙. Baru cantekkkkk

It’s StartOfTheBye id = LimitUp



Posted by Mikecyc > Feb 19, 2024 11:33 AM | Report Abuse
Haha more aka id is surfaced …

LimitUp
LimitUp | Joined since 2014-04-18

SpeakUp, your information very important. Good job

Malaysian Takaful Association chief executive officer Mohd Radzuan Mohamed says about 40% of Malaysians do not have any personal financial protection, which is concerning. (Photo by Shahrill Basri/The Edge)

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 7): The Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) is committed to addressing financial protection for uninsured and underinsured groups in Malaysia through takaful products, and to expanding the takaful industry's penetration rate to 40% by 2028.

https://www.therakyatpost.com/trpbm/berita/2024/02/05/ahli-kwsp-boleh-guna-akaun-2-untuk-beli-insurans-produk-takaful-untuk-ahli-keluarga/

Thank you for your support. At least someone is appreciating Arowana information.

I get rumours that Sifu Balian is going to giveaway a Golden Arowana to everyone here if Scib is back to 60 sen.
Thank you Sifu Balian for your generosity.



Posted by LimitUp > Feb 19, 2024 8:36 AM | Report Abuse
Guys thanks for the informative topic on arowanas it's a good diversion from our usual discussions on Scib.

Ini kalilah

Sorry typo

Must be MikeCC🐀 grandma is she???

Never too old: The 81-year-old hospital nurse who loves to keep going

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwxs4eQhzoI

Must be 🐀 grandma is she???

Never too old: The 81-year-old hospital nurse who loves to keep going

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwxs4eQhzoI

Now Silver Arowana.
Getting Red Arowana or Green Arowana???
You all guessing la

EGM guys… ada lobster 🦞 kah

Buy Arowana. Mari Mari Mari!
Ong ah
Heng ah
Huat ah

Will Arowana Eat Pellets?

Yes, Arowana will eat pellets. Pellets are an excellent source of nutrition for your Arowana and can provide them with the essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins they need to thrive.

When selecting a pellet food for your Arowana it is important to select one that is specifically designed for large carnivorous fish such as the Arowana.

These types of pellets contain higher amounts of protein than those designed for smaller fish and will help ensure your Arowana gets all the nutrients they need in its diet.

Additionally, since many Arowanas tend to be picky eaters you may want to purchase several different brands or varieties so that you can find one they like best!

Will Arowana Eat Guppies?

Yes, Arowanas will eat guppies. In the wild, they will feed on insects and smaller fish such as guppies.

Ezoic
Arowanas are predators by nature so feeding them live prey like guppies can help satisfy this instinctive need. This can also provide them with the nutrition they require to stay healthy and active.

Will Arowana Eat Angelfish?

Absolutely Yes! Arowanas will eat any angelfish that fits in their mouth. Arowanas are predatory fish that feed primarily on insects, crustaceans, and small fish in the wild.

However, angelfish are not their normal diet in the wild. Arowanas prefer insects over fish and only try to hunt fish when insects are not available.

This means as long as they are well fed, they might be able to live with angelfish but this is a high-risk situation and should be avoided.

Will Arowana Bite Humans?

No, Arowanas are generally considered to be very docile towards humans. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

If an Arowana is kept in a tank that is too small for its size or if it is not provided with proper care and nutrition then it may become aggressive enough to bite its owner’s hand.

It is also possible that an Arowana could mistake a finger for food, leading them to take a nip at the person trying to feed them.


Overall though, being bitten by an Arowana should not be something people need to worry about since they usually do not have the temperament needed for such behavior.

Will Arowana Barbels Grow Back?

Yes, Arowana barbels will grow back. This is a common occurrence in the fish-keeping hobby and many aquarists have experienced this process firsthand.

When the barbells are fully grown back, they look almost identical to the ones that were lost.

The process of regrowing barbel takes time and patience but can be done with relative ease if proper care is taken of the fish.

Why Are Arowana Fish Jumping Out Of The Tank?

Arowana fish are known to be quite jumpy and can often find themselves leaping out of their tanks.

This is usually because they feel threatened by something or they’ve seen an insect and tried to catch it. Arowanas have a natural instinct of jumping and hunting out of water.

Another reason why an Arowana might jump out of its tank could be due to improper water chemistry levels.

If the pH, nitrates, and ammonia levels become too high or low for your fish’s liking, it will actively seek an escape from those uncomfortable conditions – even if that means getting outside its aquarium!

Why is Arowana Expensive?

Arowana is an expensive fish to own due to its rarity, desired appearance, and the amount of care it requires.

Arowana can only be found in certain areas around the world making them difficult to acquire.

Additionally, they have a unique look with their shiny scales and long bodies which makes them attractive to many aquarists.

The cost of caring for an Arowana is also high as they need an aquarium that’s large enough for swimming, special filtration systems, highly nutritious food, and frequent water changes.

Learn more about the costs of Arowana species in our guide: Arowana Types: Rare & Expensive Varieties

Why is Arowana Banned In Us?

The main reason for the ban is that the Arowana can be an invasive species if released into waterways. They are aggressive predators that will out-compete other aquatic life for food sources.

Additionally, there have been instances where non-native varieties have escaped from tanks or ponds and bred in the rivers. This has caused many state governments to prohibit their sale as pets altogether.

In addition to concerns over possible ecological issues, another factor behind banning the Arowana is its high price tag due to its rarity outside of its native habitats.

This makes them attractive targets for illegal smuggling operations which could contribute to population declines in the wild.

The population of Asian Arowanas is already suffering from overexploitation by over-collection from the wild.

Note: Asian Arowanas are legal in Canada!

Which Is Lucky Arowana Or Flowerhorn?

When it comes to deciding which is luckier, an Arowana and a Flowerhorn, that really depends on the individual’s perspective.

While some people believe that an Arowana may be lucky due to its long history of being revered in Feng Shui, others might argue that a Flowerhorn is actually more fortuitous because of its modern-day popularity.

Furthermore, many believe that even just seeing these fish brings positivity into their lives! So when it comes down to deciding which is luckier between an Arowana and a Flowerhorn – it truly depends on your personal preference and beliefs!

Which Arowana Is Legal In The Usa?

The only Arowana species that is legal in the United States is the Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum).

This species of fish also referred to as the “dragonfish” or “monkey fish,” originates from South American rivers and lakes.

These silver-colored fish can grow up to 3 feet long and live for 10 years if given proper care.

Silver arowanas are relatively easy to care for due to their hearty nature and hardiness; however, they do require special attention when it comes to water quality.

Hai yahh, you don’t know meh.
Arowana is Onggg for Scib.
Every one Huatt in Scib with Arowana this 2024 year

Which Arowana Fish Is Lucky?

The Asian Arowana is often associated with luck and prosperity due to its strong, powerful body.

While many people believe that any type of Arowana can bring luck, the Golden Arowana is especially known for being a symbol of good fortune.

This majestic creature has been revered throughout history in Asian cultures, where it was believed to be a symbol of strength and power.

What Is The Most Expensive Arowana?

The most expensive Arowana fish in the world is the Asian arowanas. Some of the rare species of these fish can cost up to USD 300,000 for a single specimen!

The high price tag associated with this beautiful creature comes from its rarity and exotic appeal.

What makes these fish especially valuable are the various colors they come in; Red, Golden, Silver, and many more.

Learn more about the costs of Arowana species in our guide: Arowana Types: Rare & Expensive Varieties

Can Arowana Live With Oscar?

Yes, Arowana can live with Oscars in the same tank. Arowana is typically larger but equally aggressive fish as the Oscars.

This makes these two fish compatible as none of them will try to gain dominance over the other. But it is important to consider the size of the tank before adding both species together.

The general rule for housing these two fish species in one aquarium is to have as much space for them as possible.

In addition to ample space, the water parameters of the tank should be within a range that is compatible with both fish.

Generally speaking, both species can live in a similar type of water and environment. This makes it somewhat easy to keep them together. But make sure both fish are about the same size and none of them fit in another’s mouth.

Can Arowana Live With Koi?

No, it is not recommended. Keeping these fish together is very risky!

Both Arowana and koi are large species that need plenty of space to swim. However, they need slightly different water parameters and their personality is different.

While it is possible to set the tank’s parameters in a range where both fish can thrive; the bigger issue is the aggressive behaviors of Arowana.

Arowanas are territorial species and as they grow they can develop territorial and aggressive behaviors towards koi fish. Koi, on the other hand, is a very calm and timid species, so an Arowana can easily bully them.

Their feeding is also another challenge as both fish need different types of foods to thrive.

Because of these, we do not recommend keeping arowanas with koi species.

Can Arowana Live With Discus?

Not at all! Arowana is considered incompatible with discus fish. The two species have different requirements and personalities, making it difficult for them to coexist peacefully in one tank.

Arowanas grow large and are aggressive while discus is a shy and timid species. Arowanas also have larger appetites and can be quite aggressive when competing for food or territory.

At younger ages, arowanas can live with discus but they will soon grow and want to have all the tanks for themselves. Even this depends highly on the personality of your Arowana as even some smaller ones will still show aggressive behaviors.

Can Arowana Live With Cichlids?

Yes, Arowana can live with cichlids in an aquarium. Cichlids are aggressive fish and will not be intimidated by the large size of the Arowana which makes them great tank mates for this big fish species.

The Arowana is also known for its assertive behavior and so it should not be kept with smaller or timid species that may get attacked by the Arowana.

Both these types of fish have similar requirements when it comes to water parameters so they can both thrive together in one tank environment.

A common concern about housing both these fish together is their potential aggression towards each other.

However, if you provide enough space for your arowanas and cichlids to establish separate territories within the aquarium, then there shouldn’t be any issues.

In addition, make sure that all tankmates are well fed on quality food so no one feels threatened over food competition either!

Yes, Sifu Balian, you are correct. Just buy an Arowana to destroy bad omens.

How many arowana fish can be kept together?
The number of Arowana fish that can be kept together depends on various factors, including the size of the aquarium or pond, the specific Arowana species, their individual personalities, and the level of care provided. Arowanas are known for their territorial behavior, so careful consideration is needed to prevent aggression and ensure the well-being of the fish. Here are some guidelines:

1. Tank Size:

- Arowanas require large tanks or ponds due to their size and swimming habits. In an aquarium, a general recommendation is to provide at least 120 gallons of water for one adult Arowana. Larger tanks are preferable to accommodate their growth and minimize aggression.

2. Species and Compatibility:

- Different Arowana species have varying temperaments. It's crucial to avoid mixing incompatible species, as aggressive behavior can arise. Some common Arowana species include Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus), Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), and Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai).

3. Individual Aggression:

- Arowanas can be territorial, especially during breeding periods or when establishing dominance. Keeping a single Arowana or carefully selecting compatible individuals can reduce the risk of aggression.

4. Proper Introduction:

- If introducing multiple Arowanas, it's advisable to do so when they are young and relatively close in size. This can help prevent dominance issues and territorial disputes.

5. Observation and Monitoring:

- Regular observation of the fish is essential. If signs of aggression or stress are observed, such as fin nipping, chasing, or injuries, it may be necessary to separate the fish.

6. Aquascape and Hiding Places:

- Providing an adequately structured environment with hiding places, plants, and sufficient territories can help minimize stress and aggression by giving each Arowana its space.

7. Feeding Practices:

- Ensuring that each Arowana receives an appropriate and balanced diet can help reduce competition for food, which can sometimes trigger aggression.

8. Size Differences:

- Avoid keeping significantly smaller Arowanas with much larger ones, as size discrepancies can lead to bullying and aggression.

In summary, while it is possible to keep multiple Arowana fish together, it requires careful planning, monitoring, and consideration of their individual needs. Always consult with experienced aquarists or seek advice from professionals to ensure the compatibility and well-being of your Arowanas.

Are Arowana dangerous to other fish?

I would definitely argue yes. Arowana tend to be fairly aggressive towards other fish. They are very territorial. They will eat most fish smaller than themselves. If you were looking to keep an Arowana in a tank with other fish, they would need to be equally aggressive and or large. Some good examples of this are: freshwater rays, fresh water piranhas, chichlids.




Are Arowana dangerous to humans?

Arowana have been known to sometimes bite fingers when being fed. (They eat by swimming near the surface of the water, then jumping to catch prey) Although I haven’t been able to find a written source on this, I know I have heard it at an aquarium I worked at. Arowana are extremely strong and muscular fish. Their scales are massive and heavy. I’m sure if you got in a tank with one, it could potentially harm you with its body if it hits you hard enough, but i’d say for the most part they are not something to really worry about.

http://arowana-fish.org/species/#google_vignette

Different Types & Species of Arowana

Choosing what species of arowana to own as a pet can be a tough choice. They are ALL so cool RIGHT?! This species guide will help give some valuable info on each individual types available. The most popular types come from different countries around the world. There are 4 different types home to Asia, 3 types from South America, 2 from Australia, and 1 species type from Africa.


Super-Red-Arowana

Asian arowana has several varieties of fresh water fish in the genus Scleropages. Some sources differentiate these varieties into multiple species, they have different strains to belong to a single species Scleropages formosus they have common name Asian arowana they are long in length and smart in water.



Silver Arowana

This specie of fish has large scales, long body and tapered tail with dorsal and anal fins extending all the way to the small caudal fin. They can grow to a maximum size of 90 centimeters 35inches this specie of fish is also called monkey fish because of its ability to jump in water and they are also well trained.





Black Arowana

Black arowana fish has a long body and trapped tail grow a maximum of 90 centimeters 35 inches it reaches about 15 cm, the markings will disappear and it will start to obtain a dark iridescent steel grey to blue coloration, hence its common name it drown bridge and adapt to its feeding system.




Super Red Arowana

Super red arowana is made up of several different varieties of freshwater fish in the genus Scleropages. The “Super Red” is very hardy and never has problems eating it seems. It can grow up to almost 40 inches and the colors are super vibrant and bright. The name “Super” really gives a good idea of how expressive the colors of this fish are.




Red Dragon Arowana

Red dragon arowana fish has a long, red-colored body with seven rows of large scales, each with several reddish or pinkish spots arranged in a crescent shape around the trailing edge of the scale, giving it a pearly appearance. They grow to a maximum of 90 cm (35inches) and they are fast in water.




Malaysian Red

Malaysian Red Arowana species typically grow to around 2 to 3 feet in captivity. This fish has super fast swimming speeds and can really surprise you when striking it’s prey. Awesome fish to own and very beautiful.




Golden Arowana

Golden Arowana fish has large, wing-like pectoral fins. Except for duller coloration and smaller scale size, they are very similar to the Asian arowana fish. It grows to a length of about 90 centimetres (35 inches). Its maximum weight is recorded as 17.2 kg (38 lb.), but is has been stated that it has been known to weigh as much as 27 kg (59 lb)





Flowerhorn Arowana

Flower Horn Fish is basically from the Cichlid family, which is classified under the genus of Cichlasoma, which has a common name flowerhorn they have horn in the heard which is what gives them a common name Flowerhorn arowana they can grow up to 90 centimeters (35inches) color brightening when it attain adulthood




Crossback Arowana

Good quality Cross Back Golden has scales that are reflective, glittering, large,distinctive and neat. They gain more colorization as they grow to adulthood they grow up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) they grow very fast.




Red Tail Golden (RTG) Arowana

Red Tail Golden is the first of the lower priced Arowana to generate true scale colour. they have gold outer scale and in premium fish can develop clearly visible base colour as well it colors quickly however, color rarely reaches the 5th level of scales.




Jardini Arowana

Jardini Arowana fish freshwater fish is also called Gulf Saratoga Barramundi this fish is wild and grow very fast they are very playful in water they can be with any other arowana fish without fighting. They can grow up to 90 centimeters (35 inches)




Golden Crossback Arowana

Golden crossback arowana is they have a cross scale on they body which give them their common name crossback arowana they also have golden color their color brightenin as they grow to adulthood they grow up to 90 centimeters (35inches) they are fast in water




Green and Blue Arowana

This specie is Commonly known as Green Arowana.Its has green scales & a greyish green body with a dark striped grey/green tail.It’s the cheapest in price among the variety of Asian arowana due to unattractive coloration exhibited when in adulthood (3-4 yrs of age) they are also slow in water.

Top 10 Arowana Live Fish

SILVER AROWANA
₹ 799 - 5000
Silver Arowana Fish

RED TAIL GOLDEN AROWANA
₹ 20,000 - 60k
Red Tail Golden Arowana

SUPER RED AROWANA
₹ 25,000 - 65k
Super Red Arowana

BLACK AROWANA
₹ 70k
Black Arowana Fish

GOLDEN HEAD CROSS BACK AROWANA
₹ 28,000 - 78k
Golden Head Cross Back Arowana Fish

GREEN AROWANA
₹ 18,000 - 35k
Green Arowana Fish

BLUE BASE AROWANA
₹ 45,000 - 80k
Blue Base Arowana Fish

BLOOD RED AROWANA
₹ 48,000 - 120k
Blood Red Arowana Fish

PLATINUM AROWANA
₹ 55,000 - 190k
Platinum Arowana Fish

GOLDEN AROWANA
₹ 45,000 - 90k
Golden Arowana Fish

https://expomx.in/arowana-fish

Welcome to Kawai Arowana Farm, established in 2000. We are proud to offer you Malaysia Golden F2 Pure Breed Blue Base Short Body Arowana in sizes ranging from 10 inch.


Our Arowanas are fed a nutritious diet of pellets, prawns, crickets, worms, and fish, ensuring they grow healthy and strong. We provide only good quality Arowanas with no defects, so you can be sure you are getting the best.


For your peace of mind, we provide a certificate for them. This certificate confirms the authenticity of your Arowana and assures you of its quality.


We shhip our Arowanas within 1-2 days after receiving your oorder, and you can expect to receivef your fish within 24 hours of sshipment. Please note that we only deliverr on weekdays, excluding holidays and weekends. Currently, sshipment is only available in West Malaysia and Singapore.


We guarantee that your fish will aarrive safely and in good condition. If, upon uunboxing, the fish is found to be dead inside the plastic bag, we will replace it free of charge. Please remember to take a video while uunboxing the fish to prevent any conflict.


OOrder now and experience the beauty of our Malaysia Golden F2 Pure Breed Blue Base Short Body Arowana!

A recreation of exact texts exchanged between Lee (blue) and Tanadi (gray) in 2017, via US District Court filings (The Hustle)


Lee sent Tanadi a wire transfer for $2,550.


In turn, Tanadi secured 8 Asian arowana in water-filled plastic bags hidden inside ceramic pots. He shipped them to the US via DHL with a final text that may as well have been addressed to the fish themselves:


“…Don’t get caught.”

The Hustle


The Fish and Wildlife Service has commandeered no shortage of Asian arowana busts over the past decade:


In 2010, 7 people were arrested in Los Angeles for attempting to smuggle in 12 juvenile Asian arowana from Indonesia.


In 2011, a 49-year-old Chinese food delivery driver was caught trying to import 16 fish from Malaysia to NYC in a suitcase.


In 2014, two men in San Diego were caught with 13 of the fish, which they were trying to sell on Craigslist for $2.8k each.


In 2018, a Chicago chef was busted for trying to buy 24 Asian arowana for his home aquarium.
Most often, perpetrators receive a sentence of probation and fines of between $5k and $15k — a small fee to pay for the potential upside of such underground operations.


In one case, a smuggler paid a Vietnamese farmer $6.6k for 16 Asian arowana ($412 each) and sold for them in the US for $1.9k a pop — a profit margin of 78%.


Setting up a deal like this requires secretive communication between smugglers in Southeast Asia and buyers in the US.


Both parties are well aware of the high stakes.


A transaction between Shawn Lee (a 29-year-old from Garden Grove, California) and Mickey Tanadi (a breeder from Jakarta, Indonesia) began with the following exchange over an international texting app:



A recreation of exact texts exchanged between Lee (blue) and Tanadi (gray) in 2017, via US District Court filings (The Hustle)

Glen Mickle, a 32-year-old carpenter who lives in Alberta, Canada, where Asian arowana are legal, got into the fish 6 years ago at a local auction.


He started out with an $800 Blue Base Golden Crossback which he named “Einstein.” Six months later, he splurged on a Super Red for $1k, then another, imported from Indonesia, for $1.7k.


“They’re my prizes,” he says of the fish.


Mickle created United Arowana, a private Facebook group for “arowana lovers” that boasts ~19k members. The community is one of many hubs — including the forums Arofanatics and Monster Fish Keepers — where Asian arowana enthusiasts talk shop.


One topic comes up particularly often: The illegal nature of the fish in the United States.


The black market
While Asian arowana are legally bought and sold in most international markets, buying and selling them is strictly prohibited in the US under the Endangered Species Act.


But that hasn’t stopped Americans — or breeders in Asia — from attempting to create their own underground fish pipeline.


“I know about 10 people in the US who own Asian arowana,” Mickle told us. “I would say it’s a lot more common than people think. It’s just not [talked about] as much, for obvious reasons.”



The Hustle


The Fish and Wildlife Service has commandeered no shortage of Asian arowana busts over the past decade:

In captivity, Asian arowana can live for 25+ years, making the recurring cycle appealing to investors.


“It can be very lucrative if you do it right,” Carr told us. “People who invest $50k-$100k in Asian arowana ponds definitely get their return back.”


Carr sells his arowana to buyers all over the world. In recent years, he says demand has expanded from Asia to the Western world.


“As soon as someone sees the Asian arowana, they fall in love,” he says. “When aquarists want one belter of a fish — the crème de la crème — they [trade] up and get one.”



A few Asian arowana color variations: Super Red, 24k Gold, and Platinum. (Collage, via photos from Getty Images)

Carr, a 41-year-old ex-chef, first got into fish at 17. What began with guppies in a small glass bowl soon evolved into a school of African Cichlids in an 8-foot tank.


One day, he asked himself: “What is the most prestigious, most sought-after, most beautiful fish on the planet?”


“I learned about the Asian arowana and became obsessed,” he says. “There’s nothing else like it. It’s the majestic dragon.”


The Londoner moved to Malaysia, where he spent a year learning everything he could about the fish from local breeders. While there, he set up his own 55’x30’ pond with investors.


The process, he says, works like so:


The pond is filled with 20 arowana (6 males, 14 females).
At around 3 years of age, the fish “get jiggy.” Each female produces between 10-80 eggs.
Every 2-3 months, baby fish (called fingerlings) are harvested.
The fish are shipped to the UK and sold at ~4-6 months of age for between $300 and $4k+ each.

In 2004, a Malaysian shop owner was killed by thieves who were after his trove of 20+ Asian arowana. Armed robberies are frequent — and breeders often secure their lots with concrete walls, barbed wire, watch towers, and dogs.


Some farms also run elaborate international Ponzi schemes, selling the same fish to multiple clients around the globe.


The supply chain
Rather than go directly to customers, many farms in Southeast Asia sell in bulk to dealers in other countries.


Among these dealers is David Carr, who runs Planet Arowana, a 100-tank specialty fish shop in London.



A visitor snaps a shot of the a prize-winning arowana at Singapore’s Aquarama, the largest trade show for exotic fish enthusiasts. (ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

In her book, Voigt tells the story of Kenny Yap (AKA, “Kenny the Fish”), a 55-year-old ex-pig farmer who — when not taking nude photos with his fish — runs Singapore’s largest arowana farm.


Yap’s company, Qian Hu, distributes fish to 80 countries, has 5 global export hubs, and is listed on the Singapore Exchange. In 2019, the firm sold ~$30m worth of fish and spawned more than 7k Asian arowana. (You can take a peek at their annual report here.)



Kenny Yap takes dip with his arowana (Qian Hu)


This potential for big paydays makes the trade extremely competitive — and often dangerous — for farm owners like the Tanotos.


“Competition is fierce and very unhealthy,” Tris’ son and business partner, Toro, tells The Hustle via email. “There have been a lot of frauds using our company’s name, both locally and globally. They pretend to be us and send fake Arowana photos to global customers on social media.”


Voigt says it’s not uncommon to hear tales of arowana-related sabotage, theft, and even murder. She calls the fish “an agent of chaos.”

Scenes from Tanoto’s farm in Indonesia. (Images via Toro Tanoto)


Each year, the company sells around 1k of its 7k stock of Asian arowana, netting ~$3m USD in annual revenue.


This works out to $3k per fish on average, but prices can vary tremendously based on a variety of factors:


Coloration: The fish can be found in red, green, gold, and silver variations. But a market has emerged for “designer-bred” colors like Red Tail Golden Splendor, Violet Fusion Super Red, and Blue Base Golden.
Pedigree: Fish bred from earlier generations of wild-caught arowana tend to fetch higher prices.
Fin size and head shape: Larger dorsal fins up the price.
Tanoto sells 8 varieties of Asian arowana, ranging in price from $1.2k to $5.5k. Once, he says he sold a “flawless” Super Red to a buyer in China for $30k.


Extremely rare Asian arowana can fetch up to 10x that amount.


A breeder in Malaysia who specializes in albino Asian arowana, purportedly sold one of his stock to a high-ranking member of the Chinese Communist Party for $300k.


Some of these farms are so lucrative that they’re publicly traded corporations.

Gong Hengliang, who has been a “fish beautician” for 4 years, performs cosmetic surgery on an Asian arowana fish in 2020 in Lanzhou, China. (Photo by Gao Zhan/China News Service via Getty Images)


This fanaticism has turned farm-bred Asian arowana (which are legal in most countries) into an estimated $200m/year global market.


The $300k fish
In the mid-1980s, an Indonesian printing executive named Tris Tanoto quit his job and bought 12 Asian Arowana for $170.


With help from friends, he bought a small farm in East Jakarta, released the fish in a pond on the property, and, through trial and error, taught himself the art of breeding.


Today, Tanoto’s operation is one of at least 250 CITES-approved Asian arowana farms across Southeast Asia, the majority of which are centered in Indonesia and Malaysia.


His company, PT Munjul Prima Utama, is one of Indonesia’s largest exporters of Asian arowana — particularly, the “Super Red,” a bright crimson varietal that is highly desirable to Chinese buyers, who view the color red as a representation of vitality and good fortune.

Over the ensuing decades, hundreds of arowana farms popped up throughout Indonesia and Malaysia and the fish all but disappeared from the wild.


Today, the Asian arowana’s largest market is in China.


Dubbed the “dragon fish” due to its shiny scales, long whiskers, and fierce disposition, the arowana has taken on a spiritual aura.


“It has become this mystical creature that supposedly protects you and helps you make good business decisions,”Voigt tells The Hustle. “It’s thought to bring wealth and prosperity. There are even accounts of arowana leaping out of their tanks to warn of a bad omen.”


Owners will go above and beyond to keep their fish aesthetically pleasing.


Dedicated “fish beauticians run profitable businesses performing plastic surgery on fish. In a bid to flaunt the most beautiful specimen, owners give their pets eye lifts ($90), chin jobs ($60), and tail alterations ($60).

An arowana bought by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at a price of 200m rupiah ($20k USD) swims during an exhibition in Jakarta in 2008. (ADEK BERRY/AFP/Getty Images)


Malaysian smugglers began sneaking Asian arowana into Taiwan. From there, the fish found its way to Japan, where it became a Veblen good among Yakuza gang members.


In a bid to dampen this illicit trade, CITIES allowed farmers in Southeast Asia to legally breed, harvest, and sell Asian arowana. The logic was that a flood of new fish would drive down prices and make them a less desirable commodity.


But once again, things went off the deep end.

But according to Emily Voigt, who spent nearly a decade tracking down the story of the Asian arowana for her book, The Dragon Behind the Glass, it ended up having exactly the opposite effect.


“That official stamp of rarity totally backfired,” she tells The Hustle. “And it actually turned the fish into this limited edition luxury good.”