Asian Arowana Identification Guide
Recognize the Asian arowana by its bold mosaic scales, upturned barbeled mouth, and vivid color morphs.
Read the full Asian Arowana encyclopedia entry →
Key identification features
- Elongate, laterally compressed body, typically 60 to 90 cm
- Large, thick, bony scales arranged in a coordinated mosaic pattern with strong dark outlines
- Upturned mouth with two prominent barbels on the chin
- Long dorsal and anal fins set far back near the tail
- Color morphs ranging from silvery-green to gold, orange-red ("super red"), or crossback gold, depending on regional strain
- Fin coloration typically matches or complements the body color
Common look-alikes
- Silver arowana: has plain, unmarked silvery scales without the bold outlined mosaic pattern and vivid color morphs of Asian arowana
- Black arowana: juveniles show black fins with pale edging, while Asian arowana fins usually match the body's gold, red, or silvery-green tone without that contrast
- Freshwater butterflyfish: much smaller, with greatly enlarged pectoral fins used for gliding, unlike the arowana's long slender body
Where you'll see one
Asian arowanas live in slow-moving blackwater rivers, swamps, and flooded forests across Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and Indochina, patrolling near the surface for prey.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell an Asian arowana from a silver arowana?
Asian arowana has thicker scales with bold dark outlines forming a mosaic pattern and often vivid gold or red coloring, while silver arowana has plain, unmarked silvery scales.
What color clues help identify Asian arowana strains?
Body tone ranges from silvery-green through gold to deep orange-red depending on strain, but all share the same strongly outlined scale mosaic that sets them apart from other arowana species.