Arowanas are one of the most popular fish that is considered by many as pets. They are probably the most expensive fish for a small aquarium. They are considered by many as holy especially the Chinese.
In Chinese folklore, Arowanas are the embodiment of the holy dragon in the fish family because of its big scales and whiskers. They used arowanas in feng shui because according to them having arowans in your business establishment or even inside your house will bring you good luck and wealth. They are often chosen according to their whisker length or how shiny the scales are.
Arowanas are a cousin to the arapaimas. They are in the family of the biggest freswater fish in the world. In south America, they are just a common sighting especially in the rivers of Brazil and Peru.
They are often called water monkeys because they are able to jump off the water for as high as 6 feet. They do this to get their prey. Yes, they are carnivorous. They would often go for small birds or insects flying above the water or those resting in the branches of trees near rivers and lakes.
Arowanas in aquarium can grow up to 4-6 feet. However, studies shows that arowanas in the their natural habitat can grow longer. Maybe this is the effect of them living in small aquariums, that their body find no reason to grow longer.
An average lifespan of arowanas are 60 years. They can even live longer than humans if they are living in a good habitat with good supply of foods. So if have a newly born arowana at 20, you probably will die first before your fish do. Haha.
Prices of arowanas vary according to their size, health and length of whiskers. The most expensive I know was priced for $5,000 in a Chinese pet shop.
