How much does an Asian arowana cost? A detailed guide to selection methods

The Asian arowana is covered all over with fish scales that have a metallic luster, comes in different colors, and is a primitive freshwater fish. Its bearing in the water is imposing, and over time it has become an ornamental fish of great economic value. If we want to keep Asian arowanas, we need to understand how much an Asian arowana costs? How to select one?

1. How much does an Asian arowana cost?

Arowanas have a relatively long lifespan, and adults can grow to 40-50 cm. They have many varieties, and according to scale color they can be divided into Asian arowana, red arowana, silver arowana, green arowana, black arowana, and so on. Because its body is dazzling and glossy in color, has long barbels, and its pectoral fins resemble dragon claws, it is much loved by Chinese people. Different varieties of Asian arowana also have different prices.

1. Red-tailed golden arowana (gem golden arowana): the four rows of scales on the ventral side gleam with golden light, and the fifth and sixth rows do not light up like those of the crossback golden arowana, high-back golden arowana, and others. It is relatively easy to keep, and many beginners start by keeping it first. Its price is roughly around 1000-1500 yuan.

2. The high-back golden arowana is bred by crossing the red-tailed golden arowana with the crossback golden arowana. Its shining scales start from the fourth and a half row or the fifth row from the belly, and the pearl scales sparkle brightly. The price is roughly around 1500-2000 yuan.

3. The grade B crossback golden arowana falls between the crossback golden arowana and the high-back golden arowana, and is a variety bred by crossing Asian arowanas. Its scales can shine up to above the fifth row, while the sixth row will partially light up. The price range is around 2000-2500 yuan.

4. The crossback golden arowana has pure bloodlines, its golden shine crosses the back over the sixth row, and all its pearl scales light up. Prices range from 2000-10000 yuan. Among them, the blue-based crossback and purple-based crossback are priced at around 5000 and 8000 respectively. Crossback golden arowana fry of 15-20 cm are lower in price, but confirming their quality is more difficult.

5. Golden-headed crossback golden arowana: this variety does not exist on its own but was artificially added. Its back-crossing and pearl scale performance are the best, the whole body has a strong metallic texture, the scales shine up to the sixth row, and the golden coverage at the top of the head is 30%-100%. The price is around 7000 with no upper limit.

These prices are only for reference, and they also change according to market demand. Moreover, among different varieties there are also relatively good top-grade specimens, and their asking prices will be higher.

2. How to select an Asian arowana

1. Color: judge the color it should have according to the arowana's variety. Of course, the brighter and more brilliant, the better.

2. Body shape: the proportions of each part should be well balanced and have a majestic air.

3. Scales: they should be neat, bright, smooth and flat, not deformed, and should match the color that the variety ought to have.

4. Barbels: they should be long and straight.

5. Eyes: they should be bright and spirited, with no downward-looking condition.

6. Fins: the fins of each part should be large and spread out, and the fin rays should be smooth, without any twisting or deformation.

7. Gills: they should match the curve of the fish body, the soft part at the edge of the gill cover should lie flat against the fish body, and the gill cover should also have the color and brightness it ought to have.

8. Mouth: it should close tightly, and the lower jaw should not protrude or have excess flesh.

9. Teeth: they should be neat and fine, without defects or discoloration.

10. Anus: it should lie flat against the fish's belly and must not protrude.

11. Swimming posture: when swimming it should be slow and dignified, and when turning it should be smooth.

With the push of the market, the Asian arowana is relatively expensive, and keeping it is not simple either. If you want to buy the variety you truly desire, you still need to do more homework or ask relevant people.