Азиатский аравана: Биология, охрана и торговля редким видом рыб.

Species of freshwater fish

The Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus) comprises several phenotypic varieties of freshwater fish distributed geographically across Southeast Asia. While most consider the different varieties to belong to a single species, work by Pouyaud et al. (2003) differentiates these varieties into multiple species. They have several other common names, including Asian bonytongue, dragonfish, and a number of names specific to the different color varieties. Native to Southeast Asia, Asian arowanas inhabit blackwater rivers, slow moving waters flowing through forested swamps and wetlands. Adults feed on other fish, while juveniles feed on insects. These popular aquarium fish have special cultural significance in areas influenced by Chinese culture. The name 'dragonfish' stems from their resemblance to the Chinese dragon. This popularity has had both positive and negative effects on their status as endangered species.

They spend the day in the protection of Pandanus roots or other structures, and feed at night. The large metallic scales and double barbels are features shared by the Chinese dragon, and the large pectoral fins are said to make the fish resemble "a dragon in full flight."

Asian arowanas are listed as endangered by the current IUCN Red List, with the most recent evaluation taking place in 2019. S. formosus is one of only eight fish species listed on Appendix I. A number of registered CITES breeders are in Asia, and the specimens they produce can be imported into several nations. Other nations restrict or prohibit possession of Asian arowanas; for example, the United States has listed this species under the Endangered Species Act, so it cannot be kept in that country without a permit. Declining habitat is a major threat. For example, Asian arowanas are now uncommon in the Malay Peninsula, where they were once widely distributed, due to environmental destruction. Certain color varieties are more endangered than others, since the red and gold varieties are both less common, and in higher demand in the aquarium trade. The first of these farms was in Indonesia. According to author Emily Voigt, the arowana has been cause for kidnappings, canings and even murder.

Because they can grow up to long, Asian arowanas require large aquaria. They are territorial and may be kept with other Scleropages only in a very large aquarium, provided all fish are of similar size. Like other arowanas, they need a tight fitting cover to prevent escape. Some captive arowanas are fed Koi fry in an attempt to increase the vibrancy of their natural coloration. There are over 150 CITES registered Asian arowana farms in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and other Southeast Asia countries, producing Asian arowana for commercial purpose. But the actual number of Asian arowana farms in the world could be much higher than that, and probably over 350, of which most may not be registered in CITES yet. The total annual revenue of the Asian arowana sector was estimated at over US$200 million globally. Possession of Scleropages formosus by private citizens is prohibited in Florida and New Mexico.