CrAzYNeSs;4122687; said:
BTW - out of curiosity, how do you choose a good Xback? Since they are still small.
When the Xbacks are young its hard to tell cause a lot of lfs do white tank treatment to give the xbacks extra shine giving the false impression its good to buy. The 6th row will look transparent with white tank treatment. Then the shine starts to fade very quickly once you put the xback into your own tank that usually isn't white background all around. A LFS store told me that one of his customers was very upset that he bought an Xback at another store for $4800 with 6th row all transparent when he bought it, then after he took the xback home the 6th row started becoming darker, black just like any RTG.
But in general you can find basic notes online as to how to choose any aro's. Some I would agree and some I dont agree... on Step 3 I would choose an arowana thats not too slim or skinny cause whats there to look at if the aro is so slim? I would choose an aro with decent length and lots of width. That would be to MY liking... everyone has their own opinions and likings.
This was google'd from site:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2056015/aquarium_how_to_choose_an_asian_arowana.html
"The cost of a single Asian Arowana ranges between a few hundred to a few hundred thousand dollars. Since you need to part with so much money to get an Asian Arowana, you have to learn to select an Asian Arowana.
There are eleven factors to consider for selecting an Asian Arowana.
The first criterion in the selection of an Asian Arowana is the color of the fish. This is the most important criterion. The price of an Asian Arowana depends on the color. The color of the Asian Arowana should be bright and lustrous. A mature Cross Back Golden Arowana and Super Red Arowana will have bright and dazzling color.
The second criterion in the selection of an Asian Arowana is the body shape. The Asian Arowana has long and symmetrical body shape. The Asian Arowana is long and "slim". You should not get a short and fat fish.
The third criterion in the selection of an Asian Arowana is the scales. An Asian Arowana has large scales. You should see the neat layer of scales covering its body. The scales should be even in size and reflect the light that shines on it. When you see a missing scale, you can bargain for a price reduction. You do not need to worry about the missing scale. It will grow a new scale.
The fourth criterion in the selection of an Asian Arowana is the barbels. An Asian Arowana should have straight barbels. The barbels must be equal in length. Many people in Asia place great emphasis on the barbels since the barbels resemble the horns of the dragon.
The fifth criterion in the selection of an Asian Arowana is the fins. The fins of an Asian Arowana are big and widespread. The rays of the fins are hard and straight. There should not have any tear in the fins.
The sixth criteron in the selection of an Asian Arowana is the eyes. The eyes of an Asian Arowana are bright and centrally focus. Many people are attracted to the Asian Arowana because of the piercing eyes. The Asian
Arowana seems to judge you with its eyes. It seems to understand your inner most feelings when it looks at you. The eyes of an Asian Arowana should not protrude or droop. Drooping eyes are often result of the fish looking for food at the bottom of the tank, instead of looking upwards for the food.
The seventh criterion in the selection of an Asian Arowana is the vent. The vent should not be visible to you. If the vent protrudes, that is an indication of stomach problem. The only exception is when the female fish spawns or about to spawn.
The eighth criterion in the selection of an Asian Arowana is the
swimming style. The
swimming style of an Asian Arowana is like a gliding bird. The body looks like a torpedo charging forward. The Asian Arowana turns quickly. The fish does not move up or down or diagonally when it swims.
The ninth criterion in the selection of an Asian Arowana is the mouth. The mouth of an Asian Arowana does not protrude when it is closed. The lower jaw should not hang loose.
The tenth criterion in the selection of an Asian Arowana is the teeth. You have to pry open the mouth to see the teeth. The teeth should be neatly arranged and in line with the jaw.
The last criterion in the selection of an Asian Arowana is the gill covers. There should not have any scratch on the gill covers. The gill covers are shiny, compact and close to the head.
The Asian Arowana is an expensive pet. You have to choose the perfect Asian Arowana and take good care of it.
Source:
The Dragon Fish edited by John Dawes, Lim Lian Chuan and Leslie Cheong (ISBN 185279100-4)
