Arwana in general Arowana, otherwise known as Dragon Fish, is one of the star, the most preferred, favored and sought-after fish in both domestic and international ornamental fish market. In addition to its beautiful shape and color, Arowana is believed by many people (oriental communities) to be able to avert disaster or other negative or malicious things as well as to bring the owner luck and success.
Economically, the price of arowana is quite high relative to other types of ornamental fish since they are endangered and protected species. In the last few years, the price of Arowana has been steadily increasing following the movement of demand in both domestic and international market.
Siluk (“Shelook”) or better known as Asian Arowana or Dragon Fish ( arwana ) is an endangered species fish native to Asian countries. In general, there are three varieties of arowana based on color: green arowana, golden arowana, and red arowana. And among all, super red arowana is one of the most expensive one.
Arowana is classified into a family of Freshwater Bonytongue Fish Osteoglossidae. There are 4 genus in the family: osteoglossum, arapaima, clupisudis, dan scleropages. But only osteoglossum and scleropages species are widely known amongst the lovers of ornamental fish as Arowana.
Arowana are found in its wild, natural habitat in the South East Asia countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The super red arowana, in particular, has its native habitat in West Kalimantan’s rivers - Indonesia.
Arowana trading is regulated by the international body called CITES (Convention on International Trading of Endangered Species). Only selected farms in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore with CITES registered number can trade arowana internationally. Farming and trading of arowana in Indonesia also requires special permit. It is issued by the Natural Resources Conservation Branch of Indonesian Department of Forestry. Meanwhile, the government of several importing countries also impose special regulation on arowana importation. Under such conditions, Arowana trading has become one of the most regulated business in the ornamental fish industry.
Regulations
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international body regulating the commercial trade of rare flora and fauna. The objectives of CITES is to protect particular species of animal and wild plant through international cooperation from excessive exploitation carried out due to international trading.
With the ratification of CITES through Presidential Decree No. 43/1978, all regulation about the trading of endangered flora and fauna must be in line with clauses stipulated on CITES.
Another regulation is Government Regulation No. 7/1999 on flora and fauna preservation. Preservation is an effort to maintain the survival and the diversity of flora and fauna and also its ecosystem both inside and outside of their habitat from the danger of extinction.
In the Government Regulation Appendix No. 7/1999, Arowana types of Scleropages Formosus and Scleropages Jardini are classified as Protected Species.
Types of Arowana fish which can be used for commercial purposes, is from the second and next generation Arowana. Second and next generation of protected fauna breed is declared as unprotected fauna (Article 11, Government Regulation No. 8/1999 on wild flora and fauna exploitation.
Bred Arowana must be tagged and/or certified by breeder (Article 14 Government Regulation No.8/1999). Tagging is placement of a physically tag in a particular part of the wild animal body. Alternately, certification is a written statement detailing character, history, category and other unique characteristics of the said fauna.
In the implementation of tagging and certification, in Arowana case breeder must plant a registered microchip in the body of the fish and make produce certification of it.
Arwana treatment
Preparation of AQUARIUM
Aquarium has to be equipped with basic accessories:
UV Lighting
For lighting and to enhance the radiant color of Arowana.Water Pump
To maintain the composition and keep the water circulating.Water Filter (with Sponge Filter of Bio Filter)
To filter out fish waste and other dirty elements out of water.Heater
To stabilize the temperature of the water.Thermometer
To give an accurate reading of temperature at all times.
Water supply for aquarium is regular fresh water that has been put aside for at least 1 week.
New aquarium that will be used for the first time has to be:
Filled with fresh water and left aside for at least 1 week.
After 1 week, change the water with new supply of fresh water mixed with salt with composition of 200 grams salt for 100 liters of water and put aside for another week.
Finally, change the water again with new supply of fresh water that has been put aside for 1 week with the same composition from point (2).
Before you put fish into aquarium, turn the heater on and wait until the thermometer indicates the water temperature to be 28’ to 31’ Celsius.
Note:
Temperature of the aquarium water ideally has to be the same as the temperature of the water from the fish’ originating place.
Preparing FISH for Transport
Fish to be transported has to fast (not being fed) for the period of:
| Size | Minimum Fasting Period |
| Under 12 cm | 50 hours (2 days) |
| 12 to 20 cm | 70 hours (3 days) |
| 20 to 50 cm | 130 hours (5 days) |
| Longer than 50 cm | 180 hours (7 days) |
Note:
For average trip of 2 to 3 hours
During the fasting period, all other types of care and maintenance such as dirt cleaning, water changing, etc. will go on as usual.
For large size fish (longer than 50 cm), if necessary it can be lightly sedated by mixing the chemical into the water to calm the fish, minimize movement and easier handling.
Note:
With regards to sedating, it is important that the fish has to be in good health condition, and to consult the right dosage beforehand.
FISH TRANSFER
Originating Place
It is advisable to use doubled plastic bag (double-layered plastic by putting 2 plastic bags into 1) to reduce the risk of tearing.
Fill the plastic bag with water for originating place.
Fill the bag with Oxygen with the minimum composition of Water to Oxygen of 2 to 1.
Transfer fish into the plastic bag.
Tie the bag tightly with rope or rubber bands.
Destination
Turn on the water pump of the aquarium.
Turn on the heater and set the water temperature to 28’ to 31’ Celsius.
Begin the process of adapting fish to the water of the new aquarium as follows:
(especially important for large sized fish longer than 30cm)Take some water out from the plastic bag, and replace it with water from the aquarium.
Add Oxygen if necessary.
Tie the bag again and put aside for 30 minutes.
Repeat point (2) and (3) several times to acclimate with the aquarium’s water.
Begin the process adapting fish to the temperature of new aquarium as follows:
(especially important for large sized fish longer than 30cm)Put plastic bag (still tied) into the new aquarium and wait for about 1 hour.
Untie the bag, and let the fish swim out from the bag by itself.
Monitor the fish’ reaction in the first 1 to 3 hours for indication of stress. If the fish shows signs of stress, begin Recovery Process immediately.
CARE FOR FISH
Basic routine care for fish is to feed it minimum of 3 times a day; at 08.00 hours, 12.00 hours, and 20.00 hours
Several recommended sources of fish’ diet are:
Earthworm (Earthworm is cut into several pieces, then washed with water to get rid of dirt.)
Small fish
Cricket
Cockroach
Small-sized frog
Pellet (to condition fish to pellets, first mix pellets in regular feed, do not feed straight away.)
Clean up leftover feed from the water after maximum of 1 hour to prevent water contamination.
Signs of stress fish are as follows:
Refusing to eat when being fed.
Frequently hitting the walls of aquarium while swimming.
Getting more aggressive or passive.
Signs of sick fish are as follows:
Swimming close to the surface of water.
Fish’ mouth is gaping or repeatedly opening and closing.
Fish’ Antennas are spread wide and stiff.
Swimming with unbalance/slanted position.
Conditions that contribute to fish’ stress are as follows:
Water in aquarium is dirty/ full of leftover feed.
pH level of water that is too high or low.
Low level of Oxygen in the water.
Temperature of water that is too high or low.
High level of noise around the aquarium.
Start the Recovery Process as soon as the fish is exhibiting signs of stress or sick.
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