Asian Golden Highback

he Golden Highback Asian Arowana is a highly prized and distinctive variety of the Asian Arowana, known for its beautiful golden coloration and its prominent, high-backed appearance. This species is revered in aquarium circles not only for its stunning beauty but also for its cultural significance, particularly in Asian countries where it is considered a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and success.

Scientific Name:

Scleropages formosus (Golden Highback Asian Arowana)

Maximum Size:

• The Golden Highback Asian Arowana can grow up to 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) in length, though the typical size in captivity is usually around 24 inches.

• The "highback" feature refers to the high, curved back of the fish, which adds to its unique and attractive appearance.

Native Region:

• The Golden Highback Asian Arowana is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in regions such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

• It is found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, and lakes with muddy or sandy bottoms and dense vegetation. The fish prefers areas with low to moderate current and acidic to neutral water.

Diet (Carnivorous or Omnivorous?)

• Carnivorous, with a diet consisting mainly of small fish, insects, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals.

• In captivity, the Golden Highback Asian Arowana is fed:
  ✅ Live foods such as small fish (guppies, feeder fish), shrimp, crickets, and worms.
  ✅ Frozen or freeze-dried foods, including bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp.
  ✅ Pellets or granules designed for large carnivorous fish.
  ✅ Occasional vegetable matter like spirulina may be accepted but is not a primary part of their diet.
  ❌ Avoid feeding too much fatty or processed food, as it can lead to health issues.

Lifespan:

• Golden Highback Asian Arowanas can live for 15-20 years in optimal conditions. They tend to have long lifespans due to their robust nature, provided they are given a spacious and well-maintained aquarium.

Breeding Season & Behavior:

• The Golden Highback Asian Arowana is an egg-laying species, and breeding in captivity is possible but quite difficult.

• They are known for their monogamous nature and will pair off during the breeding season. The male will protect the female, and after mating, the female lays her eggs in a secure area.

• Parental care is prominent in this species. The male carries the fertilized eggs in his buccal cavity (mouthbrooding) until the larvae hatch and are released.

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

• Water temperature for breeding should be around 80-85°F (27-29°C), and the pH should be kept neutral to slightly acidic (around 6.5-7.5).

Best Tank Mates:

The Golden Highback Asian Arowana is a solitary and territorial species that requires ample space in an aquarium. While they can be kept with other species, tank mates should be chosen carefully to avoid aggression or stress.

✅ Larger, peaceful species that are not fin-nippers or overly aggressive. Examples include:

• Large catfish, such as Loricariids (Plecos or Brachyplatystoma)

• Large cichlids, such as Oscars, Severums, or Cichlasoma species.

• Other large, peaceful fish, like Arapaima, Pacu, or Red-Tailed Catfish.

🚫 Avoid:

• Small fish or those that may become prey, such as small tetras, guppies, or barbs.

• Aggressive species, including many of the African cichlids or fast-moving fish.

• Other Arowanas, as they are territorial and may fight.

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 180-250 gallons (680-950 liters) is recommended for a single Golden Highback Asian Arowana, with even larger tanks needed if keeping multiple large fish.

• Water Temperature: The tank should maintain a temperature of around 80-85°F (27-29°C).

• pH: The water should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.5-7.5.

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (around 5-15 dGH) is ideal.

• Filtration: Excellent filtration is essential to keep the water clean, as this species produces a significant amount of waste. Strong filtration systems are necessary to maintain water quality.

• Décor:

  • Provide a large open swimming space, as Golden Highback Arowanas are active swimmers.

  • Driftwood and rocks can be used, but avoid overcrowding the tank with decorations.

  • Live plants should be used sparingly, as Arowanas may damage or uproot plants with their swimming.

  • Fine gravel or sand substrates are suitable, though Arowanas spend most of their time near the water's surface.

⚠ Important Notes:

• Territorial behavior: The Golden Highback Asian Arowana can become quite territorial and should ideally be kept as a single specimen in a tank to avoid conflict.

• Space requirements: Due to their large size and active nature, Arowanas need significant space to swim freely, and their tank should reflect their size and activity level.

• Jumping tendency: Arowanas are known to be jumpers, so it is crucial to have a well-secured tank lid to prevent escape.

• Sensitive to water quality: Maintaining good water quality with regular water changes and monitoring of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels is vital for the health of Arowanas.

• Feeding: Golden Highback Arowanas are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of live or frozen foods. Regular feeding is essential to keep them healthy.