Known as the legendary "Dragon Fish" (Cá Rồng), the Arowana is a revered symbol of fortune with an ancient lineage. Since our establishment in 2012, THIENDUC AQUARIUM has been a leading producer and exporter of premium freshwater ornamental fish. Recognizing the global fascination with the Arowana Fish from Vietnam, we have crafted this guide for our discerning clients across the European Union. This article serves as an essential introduction to the main varieties, cultural significance, and strict legality surrounding these magnificent creatures.

The Allure of the Arowana: General Characteristics

Known scientifically as Scleropages formosus, the Asian Arowana is a creature of breathtaking elegance and power. Its appeal is universal, captivating enthusiasts with a unique combination of grace and primal beauty. Understanding these characteristics is the first step in appreciating why it's hailed as the king of aquarium fish.

The Arowana’s body is long, sleek, and laterally compressed, allowing it to glide through the water with an effortless, serpentine grace. This powerful physique is adorned with large, metallic, coin-like scales that form a shimmering, armor-like mosaic. Depending on the variety, these scales can radiate hues of green, gold, or fiery red. One of its most distinctive features is its large, upturned mouth, equipped with two prominent barbels on the lower jaw.

These barbels, sensitive to the slightest movements in the water, resemble a dragon's whiskers, cementing its legendary status. As a surface-dweller, the Arowana is a graceful and powerful swimmer that commands the upper levels of any habitat, adding a dynamic presence to a large aquarium. Beyond its looks, its behavior is equally fascinating. The Arowana is an intelligent predator and an attentive parent, exhibiting a unique mouthbrooding behavior where the male protects the eggs and fry inside his mouth until they are ready to fend for themselves.

Arowana Varieties in Vietnam

The world of Arowana is diverse, but in Vietnam, the focus centers on several key varieties. This section, the core of our exploration, delves into the native Green Arowana and the two most prized varieties meticulously bred and raised by experts like THIENDUC AQUARIUM. Our extensive network, including nationwide satellite systems, allows us to source and cultivate the highest quality specimens for the export market.

The Native: Vietnamese Green Arowana (Cá Rồng Xanh)

The Green Arowana is the original Arowana Fish from Vietnam, an embodiment of wild, untamed beauty. Its allure is not in flashy colors but in its subtle, natural elegance. The coloration is primarily a silvery-green or muted olive, with an iridescence that catches the light in gentle waves. The scales often feature a delicate, net-like pattern, and its body shape is typically more streamlined and torpedo-like than its selectively bred cousins.

Naturally found in the slow-moving, tannin-stained "blackwater" rivers and swampy basins of southern Vietnam, particularly the Dong Nai River system, this species is a true native treasure. It thrives in habitats with dense overhanging vegetation, which it uses for cover and as a hunting ground for insects. It's crucial for our European clients to understand that the Vietnamese Green Arowana is an endangered and protected species.

Wild-caught specimens are illegal to trade. At THIENDUC AQUARIUM, our strength in wild fish is built on a foundation of sustainability and legality. We deeply respect conservation laws and work strictly within CITES regulations, ensuring that the hobby does not harm wild populations.

The Prized: High-Value Farmed Varieties Popular in Vietnam

Due to the protected status of wild Arowanas, the modern hobby in Vietnam and globally is dominated by exquisite, commercially bred varieties. These fish are the result of generations of selective breeding to enhance their most desirable traits, particularly their color. THIENDUC AQUARIUM specializes in sourcing and preparing these top-tier, CITES-certified fish for export.

1. Golden Crossback Arowana 

The Golden Crossback is a living ingot of gold and a direct symbol of immense wealth. It is renowned for its brilliant, metallic gold scales that shine with incredible intensity. For collectors, the ultimate prize is a high-quality specimen where the golden color "crosses" completely over the top of the back, covering the 6th row of scales as it matures—a trait known as "full-helmet."

The finest examples, often sought by business owners, can also exhibit stunning base colors of blue or purple beneath the gold sheen, further enhancing their value and rarity. Sourcing a true, high-grade Golden Crossback requires expertise, which is why partnering with an established exporter is essential. We ensure every Golden Arowana Fish from Vietnam we supply meets the highest standards of quality and genetic purity.

2. Super Red Arowana

Often considered the undisputed "king" of all Arowanas, the Huyết Long, or Super Red, is a spectacle of fiery color. Prized for its deep, intense red, this variety is a symbol of ultimate luck, power, and is believed to ward off negative energy. The color development is a marvel to witness, transitioning from a youthful yellow-orange to a rich chili or blood-red as the fish matures.

This transformation is influenced by genetics, a premium diet, and specialized lighting. In a top-grade Super Red, the vibrant red coloration should ideally be present on its lips, barbels, and across all its fins. The Super Red Arowana Fish from Vietnam is perhaps the most sought-after variety in the EU, and its value reflects its rarity and breathtaking beauty.

The Arowana in Vietnamese Culture and Hobby

To truly appreciate the Arowana Fish from Vietnam, one must understand its deep cultural roots. In Vietnam, this is more than just a pet; it is a powerful Feng Shui (Phong Thủy) tool and a significant status symbol. Its placement within a home or office is carefully considered, as it is believed to attract positive energy (chi), stimulate wealth, and protect its owner from misfortune. Its dragon-like features—the scales, barbels, and majestic presence—are central to this belief.

Owning a premium Arowana, particularly a Golden Crossback or Super Red, is a definitive statement of success, taste, and financial standing. It has cultivated a dedicated community of keepers across Vietnam who invest heavily in large, state-of-the-art aquarium systems, specialized equipment, and premium diets to provide the best possible care for their prized "dragons." This dedication reflects a deep respect for the fish, a passion that we at THIENDUC AQUARIUM share and cater to.

Conservation, Legality, and Captive Breeding

For our clients in the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, the legality and ethical sourcing of wildlife are non-negotiable. THIENDUC AQUARIUM operates with full transparency and strict adherence to international regulations. The Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus) is listed on CITES Appendix I, affording it the highest level of protection. This means that any international trade of wild-caught specimens is strictly illegal.

Every legal Arowana Fish from Vietnam intended for the international market must be captive-bred from a CITES-registered and government-licensed farm. To ensure traceability and legality, each fish is implanted with a microchip containing a unique identification code.

This code corresponds to a Certificate of Authenticity that accompanies the fish, detailing its species, origin, and date of birth. This system guarantees that the fish you acquire is legally and ethically sourced. Reputable breeding farms and exporters like us play a crucial role in the species' conservation by providing a sustainable supply, which alleviates pressure on the threatened wild populations.

Conclusion

The Arowana Fish from Vietnam represents a unique blend of natural wonder and cultural symbolism. At THIENDUC AQUARIUM, our mission is to responsibly bridge the Arowana's dual identity as both an endangered wild species and a cherished cultural icon. We combine aquaculture expertise with a deep respect for conservation to bring the highest quality, fully certified Arowana Fish from Vietnam to the European market. Partner with us to experience the legend of the Dragon Fish, confident that you are acquiring a beautiful, ethically sourced specimen that supports the future of this iconic species.

Contact Information: 

• Address: 57 Le Thi Sieng, Tan Thong Hoi, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 

• Mobile: +84903912501 

• Office: +84982577871 

• Email: thien@thienducaquarium.com