RED AROWANAS
The Red Arowana is found in Kalimantan and Sumatra of Indonesia, it originates from various parts of Western Kalimantan and among these areas are the River Kapuas and Lake Sentarum. Lake Santarum is often regarded as the home of the Super Red. Although not the most expensive, the Super Red is often regarded as the most popular type of Asian Arowana kept by most Arowana enthusrasts Its value is greater increased among Chinese Arowana owners because red is considered an auspicious color n the Chinese culture. It is also very popular because the Red Arowana is considerably cheaper than the Golden Crossback so more households and businesses tend to invest in one for luck and prosperity.
From young to adult, pure bred Red Arowanas go through a few stages in color development to achieve their eventual color. In the first stage, small yellow dots will appear on the scale rims. These will saturate into orange dots and subsequently, they will expand and join together, covering the whole outline of the scales. This stage of orange scales may last a few years before it eventually deepens in color and changes into red. Finally, the color of the gill cover will develop into patches of red, gold or silver.
To help bring out the deepest red in the Red Arowana, a diet rich in red beta-carotene will greatly contribute to achieve this goal. Live feed such as shrimps and prawns contains beta-carotene that will encourage color development. Other important factors include bloodline, water quality and sunlight. Arowanas that are kept indoors away from direct sunlight should be exposed to a few hours of indoor light each day.
In recent years, the Red Arowana has been crossbred with the red tail golden, the green or yellow tail to achieve the 1.5 grade Red. The 1.5 grade looks like a green or yellow tail except for the fact that it has red fins. 1.5 grade Reds are usually valued lesser than the Red Arowanas for two reasons. Firstly, crossbreeding begins at three years for the 1.5 grade Red but for the Red Tail Arowana, this takes five years instead. They cost less but the red color in their fins tend to fade away over time, leaving the owner with an Arowana that looks very similar to a Green or Yellow Tail.
They can be divided into 1st grade red and 2nd grade red. 1st grade red can have different color intensity ranging from yellow to orange to red to blood-red and chili-red. The higher intensity red is more desirable and often commands a very high price. It is often difficult to differentiate 1st grade red from 2nd grade red when the fish is young.
Young 1 st grade red's tail and anal fin have intense red color and their scales are shiny gold in color with some green at the base.
Super Reds are usually called the 1st grade reds because its gill cover, back fins and scales become a solid uniform red when it has matured. This usually takes up to 6 years so that's why Super Reds are of great value. The long maturity wait and the auspicious color of the fish explain the high price it fetches. In recent years, however, there has been an oversupply of Super Reds and its market price has dropped drastically.
Arowana enthusiasts and aquarium owners have started to further classify the Super Red into two categories - the Blood Red and Chili Red. This classification is not recognized by everyone but is steadily gaining acceptance. Here's how you can differentiate between the two:
The Blood Red is very common and fetches a lower price compared to the Chili Red because it fully develops its red color as early as 3 years old. The Blood Red has a smaller head and mouth with smaller eyes.
The tail is wide open and fan shaped. When it is young, the Bloody Red has a shine that resembles a Crossback Golden.
The Chili Red has a broader shape, more pointed head and mouth and larger eyes and fins. Its scales also have a more obvious green core and metallic shine. The tail fin is usually outward pointing and is diamond shaped. Some Chili Reds may have a hump or spoon head on their back. The Chili Red commands a higher price tag because it takes 2 years more to reach its full color potential, compared to the blood red. However, the color it is able to develop is very often richer and more saturated. Its red-framed scales are also thinner than the bloody red's.
