24k Golden Helmet

The Golden Helmet Crossback Asian Arowana is a highly sought-after and prized variety of the Asian Arowana. This particular crossback type is renowned for its brilliant golden color, which is most pronounced on the scales that appear on the upper body of the fish. The "helmet" refers to the unique golden hue of the upper back and head of the fish, which gives it a regal and majestic appearance.

Asian Arowanas, including the Golden Helmet Crossback variety, are considered lucky and are often kept for their symbolic meaning, particularly in Southeast Asia, where they are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.

Scientific Name:

Scleropages formosus (Golden Helmet Crossback Asian Arowana)

Maximum Size:

• The Golden Helmet Crossback Asian Arowana can grow up to 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) in length, with most individuals reaching around 24 inches in captivity.

• As with other arowanas, the Golden Helmet Crossback Arowana exhibits a sleek, elongated body that allows it to swim gracefully through the water.

Native Region:

• The Golden Helmet Crossback Asian Arowana is native to Southeast Asia, with populations found in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

• They are typically found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, and lakes that have soft, slightly acidic water and moderate water currents. They prefer environments with plenty of hiding spots like submerged vegetation and structures.

Diet (Carnivorous or Omnivorous?)

• Carnivorous, with a diet that includes a variety of small fish, crustaceans, insects, and other aquatic creatures.

• In captivity, Golden Helmet Crossback Asian Arowanas are usually fed:
  ✅ Live foods such as small fish (feeder fish), shrimps, worms, and insects.
  ✅ Frozen or freeze-dried foods like bloodworms, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and krill.
  ✅ Pellets or granules designed for carnivorous fish, which should be high in protein.
  ✅ They may occasionally eat vegetables or spirulina, although this is not a primary part of their diet.
  ❌ It’s important to avoid fatty or processed foods, as these can lead to digestive issues or obesity in Arowanas.

Lifespan:

• Golden Helmet Crossback Asian Arowanas can live for 15-20 years or more when kept in optimal conditions. Their lifespan is influenced by water quality, diet, and the size of the aquarium.

Breeding Season & Behavior:

• The Golden Helmet Crossback Asian Arowana is an egg-laying species, and like other arowanas, it practices mouthbrooding. The female lays her eggs, which are fertilized by the male, and the male incubates the eggs in his buccal cavity (mouth) until they hatch into larvae.

• Breeding season is typically influenced by factors such as temperature, water conditions, and food availability.

• In captivity, the breeding of this species can be difficult, as it requires specific water conditions (slightly acidic to neutral water with a temperature of around 80-85°F (27-29°C)) and a carefully monitored diet to encourage spawning.

• Parental care is notable in arowanas, as both the male and female care for the eggs and larvae until they are able to swim on their own.

• Spawning is often a rare event, and breeding in captivity is most successful when water parameters are carefully controlled.

Best Tank Mates:

Golden Helmet Crossback Asian Arowanas are territorial and solitary fish, and their aggressive behavior towards smaller or similarly sized fish can be a challenge in community tanks. They are generally best kept alone or with other large, peaceful fish.

✅ Larger, peaceful fish that are not aggressive and can coexist with the arowana's territorial nature:

• Large cichlids, such as Oscars, Severums, and Jack Dempseys (though they may still display aggression depending on the individual fish).

• Large catfish, including Plecos (Loricariids) and Synodontis species.

• Large peaceful species like Red-Tailed Catfish, Arapaima, and Pacu.

• Other Arowanas (though this should be approached cautiously, as multiple arowanas in one tank may lead to aggression).

🚫 Avoid:

• Small species, such as tetras, barbs, and guppies, which could be seen as prey.

• Aggressive or territorial species, including many African cichlids or fast-moving fish, which may cause stress or aggression towards the arowana.

• Schooling fish, as they may add stress to the solitary nature of the arowana.

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 180-250 gallons (680-950 liters) is recommended for a single Golden Helmet Crossback Asian Arowana. Larger tanks are better if you plan on keeping it with other large fish.

• Water Temperature: The water should be kept between 80-85°F (27-29°C) for optimal health and breeding conditions.

• pH: The water should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.

• Water Hardness: The water should be soft to moderately hard, with a dGH range of 5-15.

• Filtration: Excellent filtration is necessary, as these large fish produce significant waste. It is important to have a strong filtration system to keep the water clean.

• Décor:

  • Provide open swimming space since the Golden Helmet Crossback Arowana is an active swimmer.

  • Use rocks and driftwood to create hiding spots but avoid overcrowding the tank.

  • Live plants can be added, but they should be hardy, as Arowanas can damage or uproot delicate plants.

  • A sand or fine gravel substrate is ideal for this species.

• Water Movement: The Arowana prefers low to moderate water movement, as strong currents may cause unnecessary stress.

⚠ Important Notes:

• Jumping behavior: Arowanas are known for their jumping ability. A secure tank lid is necessary to prevent them from leaping out of the tank.

• Territorial nature: Golden Helmet Crossback Arowanas can be aggressive toward other fish, especially when breeding or defending their territory.

• Space requirements: Arowanas need a large tank to thrive, ideally 180 gallons or more for a single fish. The tank should also provide ample open swimming space for the fish to move freely.

• Water quality: Maintaining excellent water quality is crucial for the health and well-being of the fish. Regular water changes, good filtration, and monitoring of water parameters are essential.

• Feeding: The Golden Helmet Crossback Arowana is carnivorous, requiring a protein-rich diet of live or frozen foods to remain healthy.