How to select the best Arowana

To say that arownas are oddballs in the fish community is totally in sync with the picture these fishes present. These dinosaurs of fish tanks look like living fossils are intriguing to watch and have in your tank. They are also very expensive fish so when you buy them, make sure you are getting the best fish. When choosing these fish for your tank, look for the following criteria:

1. Body shape: A good shape in arowana implies a broad body with proportionate fins and a pointed mouth along with a slope between the head and back. The broad look is preferred because it corresponds to the arowanas aggressive and powerful nature and image, however, there are variations in species.

2. Color: All species of arowana should be brightly colored and should look lustrous.

3. Swimming posture: Most people are attracted to arowana because of the way it swims. A fish with a good posture will swim without effort and will make graceful moderately slow turns in the tank. Its body will be straight, horizontal and the fish will swim in the upper level of the tank, close to the surface. At no point should the fish appear to be stiff or jerky. An arowana looks truly majestic when swimming.

4. Tail / Fins: Always avoid prolonged clamped fins in arowana. Fins should be proportionate to the body and must be fully open when the fish swims. The color should be strong and smooth. There are variations in species.

5. Barbels: Notice the color of barbels , it should be similar to the body color. Strong, long barbels indicate good health. In addition, they should be of equal length and point upwards.

6. Eyes: Avoid fish with overly protruding eyes. Eyes should be proportionate to the body, clear and both eyes should be of the same size and shape.

7. Mouth and lips: Arowana mouth is large, pointing up, and arrogant looking but avoid choosing arownas with protruding upper or lower lip. The mouth and lips of arowana should close tightly without a gap.

8. Scales: Fish scales should not be crooked and should be bright. They should be large and distinctive from each other.

9. Gill Cover: The gill edge should be circular and when breathing, the motion should not be too obvious. The gill cover is smooth and flat to the fish body. Radiance of gills in fish is indicative of good health.

10. Teeth: Arowana teeth should be arranged neatly and should be in line with the jaw line.

One last tip. You have to like the fish as it appears to you. There has to be a certain chemistry when you set your eyes on the one you are going to buy. You want to be living in harmony when you bring your new friend home, right?

For more free information on keeping Arowanas, go to www.tothefish.com