The Most Unique and Rare Aquarium Fish: The Platinum Arowana
Oct
The Most Unique and Rare Aquarium Fish: The Platinum Arowana
I’ve always been fascinated by rare and exotic fish, and the Platinum Arowana stands out as one of the most captivating species I’ve encountered. This stunning creature, with its metallic scales and dragon-like appearance, has captured the hearts of aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. In this article, I’ll share my insights on this remarkable fish, covering everything from its origins to care requirements and Where Can You Buy a Platinum Arowana?
What is an Arowana?
Arowanas are a family of fish that are natively found in South America. There are eight different species of arowana, and each is known for its distinct looks and characteristics. Arowanas are well-known for their large mouths, bright colours, and slowness. The most common arowanas kept as pets are the silver arowana and the Australian rainbow arowana, which are both rare and expensive aquarium fish. There are many reasons why these fish are so expensive, including their large size, high maintenance needs, and high price when they are sold as babies. How much do arowana sell for?
The most unique arowana is the platinum arowana, which is the most expensive and rarest of all the arowana species. Platinum arowanas are one of the most unique aquarium fish you can own, and they are certainly worthy of their title as the most expensive fish in the world.
Platinum Arowana Origins (Scleropages formosus)
The Platinum Arowana is a color variant of the Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus). It’s found in:
- Southeast Asian countries
- Parts of Indonesia
- Malaysia
These fish inhabit freshwater habitats like:
- Slow-moving rivers
- Swamps
- Flooded forests
Key takeaway: The Platinum Arowana is a rare color morph of the Asian Arowana, native to Southeast Asian freshwater ecosystems.
Physical Characteristics
The Platinum Arowana boasts some striking features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length |
| Color | Silvery-white to pale gold |
| Scales | Large, metallic, overlapping |
| Fins | Long, flowing, especially the pectoral fins |
| Mouth | Large, upturned |
These fish are known for their:
- Elongated bodies
- Prominent barbels
- Bony tongue
Key takeaway: The Platinum Arowana’s unique coloration and impressive size make it a standout in any aquarium.
Rarity and Value
The Platinum Arowana’s scarcity contributes to its high value:
- Limited natural occurrence
- Strict breeding controls
- High demand among collectors
Prices can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on:
- Size
- Quality
- Certification
Key takeaway: The Platinum Arowana’s rarity and beauty make it one of the most expensive aquarium fish in the world.
Behavior and Intelligence
I’ve observed that Platinum Arowanas display remarkable intelligence:
- They can recognize their owners
- They exhibit curious behavior
- They’re known to jump out of water to catch prey
These fish are:
- Territorial
- Solitary
- Active swimmers
Key takeaway: Platinum Arowanas are intelligent, active fish that require mental stimulation and space to thrive.
Aquarium Requirements
Keeping a Platinum Arowana requires a substantial setup:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Tank size | Minimum 250 gallons (950 liters) |
| Water temperature | 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| pH level | 6.5-7.5 |
| Filtration | High-quality, powerful system |
| Lighting | Moderate |
Additional needs:
- Open swimming space
- Secure lid (to prevent jumping)
- Hiding spots (driftwood, large plants)
Key takeaway: Platinum Arowanas need spacious, well-maintained aquariums with specific water parameters to thrive.
How Big Are Platinum Arowanas?
The average length of an adult platinum arowana is around 60 inches, which is equal to five feet! These fish can grow to be up to six feet in length, which is a truly impressive size for an aquarium fish! When these fish are young, they are fairly small and easy to handle. Where to buy Arowana fish near me
However, as they grow, they become much harder to manage and care for, requiring special handling and diets to ensure their health. It is very important that you have the space for a platinum arowana as they grow very quickly and require a large tank. Adult arowanas need at least a 1000-gallon tank to live in, and a large aquarium filter is a must. Arowanas are messy fish with very large appetites, and they produce a lot of waste that requires careful management to keep the water clean.
Feeding and Nutrition
These carnivorous fish have specific dietary needs:
- Live foods: insects, small fish, crustaceans
- High-quality pellets
- Frozen foods: bloodworms, shrimp
Feeding schedule:
- Young fish: 2-3 times daily
- Adults: once daily or every other day
Key takeaway: A varied, protein-rich diet is crucial for maintaining the health and color of Platinum Arowanas.
Breeding Challenges
Breeding Platinum Arowanas is extremely difficult:
- Strict regulations in many countries
- Complex mating behaviors
- Specific environmental triggers needed
Breeding success often requires:
- Expert knowledge
- Specialized facilities
- Patience and dedication
Key takeaway: Breeding Platinum Arowanas is a challenge best left to experienced professionals and licensed breeders.
Legal Considerations
Owning a Platinum Arowana comes with legal responsibilities:
- CITES-listed species (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
- Import/export restrictions
- Licensing requirements in some countries
Always ensure you’re complying with local and international laws when acquiring these fish.
Key takeaway: Proper documentation and adherence to regulations are crucial for legal ownership of Platinum Arowanas.
Health and Lifespan
With proper care, Platinum Arowanas can live for decades:
- Average lifespan: 20-25 years
- Some specimens have lived up to 50 years in captivity
Common health issues:
- Drospy
- Fin rot
- Parasitic infections
Regular check-ups with a specialized vet are recommended.
Key takeaway: Platinum Arowanas are long-lived fish that require consistent, high-quality care to maintain their health.
Cultural Significance
In many Asian cultures, Arowanas hold special meaning:
- Symbol of good luck and prosperity
- Associated with dragons in Chinese mythology
- Believed to bring positive energy to homes and businesses
This cultural significance contributes to their popularity and value.
Key takeaway: The Platinum Arowana’s cultural importance adds to its allure beyond its physical beauty.
Where Can You Buy a Platinum Arowana?
The Asian Arowana species faces challenges in the wild:
- Listed as endangered by the IUCN
- Habitat loss due to deforestation
- Overfishing for the aquarium trade
Conservation efforts include:
- Captive breeding programs
- Habitat protection initiatives
- Strict trade regulations
Key takeaway: While captive-bred Platinum Arowanas are widely available, wild populations of Asian Arowanas need protection.
Where Can You Buy a Platinum Arowana?
If you’re looking for a platinum arowana for sale in the USA or UK, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Arowanaz.org, we have a wide selection of platinum arowanas for sale from some of the top breeders in the world. Whether you’re looking for a pet or a show fish, we have the perfect platinum arowana for you. So take a look around and find the perfect fish for your home or office today.
Some special aquarium stores sell arowanas but are very expensive and rare fish. For the most part, the only way to get a platinum arowana is to catch your own and release it into your pond or aquarium. Fortunately, arowanas are easy to catch and are very docile fish. It’s possible to catch an arowana while fishing or while they are swimming in a nearby pond. If you’re lucky, you could catch an arowana when it’s roaming in a nearby river or stream. Platinum Arowana For Sale
For the best chance of catching an arowana, look for areas with a slow current. Arowanas love to rest in areas with little to no current, and they will often stay there for hours. You can also buy arowanas online from specialized fish breeders who keep them as pets. How rare is a platinum arowana?
Alternatives to Ownership
For those unable to keep a Platinum Arowana, consider:
- Visiting public aquariums with Arowana exhibits
- Watching documentaries about these fascinating fish
- Supporting conservation efforts for Asian Arowanas
These options allow you to appreciate these magnificent creatures without the challenges of ownership.
Key takeaway: There are ways to admire and support Platinum Arowanas without directly owning one.
How much is a platinum arowana ? | | Where can you find a platinum arowana? | Where Can You Buy a Platinum Arowana | platinum arowana for sale | What is Arowana fish and why are they expensive | platinum arowana habitat | The Best Places to Buy Arowana Fish
FAQs
- How much does a Platinum Arowana cost? Prices can range from $5,000 to over $80,000, depending on quality and size.
- Is it legal to own a Platinum Arowana in the United States? Ownership is legal with proper documentation, but import restrictions apply.
- How big do Platinum Arowanas get? They can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length.
- What do Platinum Arowanas eat? They primarily eat live foods, high-quality pellets, and frozen foods like insects and small fish.
- How long do Platinum Arowanas live? With proper care, they can live 20-25 years, sometimes up to 50 years.
- Are Platinum Arowanas aggressive? They can be territorial and may not coexist well with other fish.
- How often should I feed my Platinum Arowana? Young fish should be fed 2-3 times daily, while adults can be fed once daily or every other day.
- Can Platinum Arowanas recognize their owners? Yes, these intelligent fish can recognize and interact with their owners over time.