1. Introduction
【Child】: Professor, you know how in “The Hobbit,” Smaug the dragon is red and powerful? Is there a fish that resembles him?
【Professor】: Ah, what an imaginative question! Indeed, there is a fish that might remind you of a dragon; the Super Red Arowana. In this conversation, we’ll learn about its characteristics, habitat, husbandry requirements, behavior, breeding, and cautions when keeping them.
2. Characteristics
【Child】: So, what makes the Super Red Arowana dragon-like? Does it breathe fire underwater?
【Professor】: (chuckles) While it doesn’t breathe fire, it does have an incredibly unique and striking appearance! The Super Red Arowana’s body is covered in large, metallic scales that can be bright red or orange-red, giving the impression of a fiery dragon. They can grow up to 3 feet long with a slender, elongated body and fascinating barbels near their mouths.
3. Habitat
【Child】: Do they live in a special hidden dragon world, like the one in “How to Train Your Dragon”?
【Professor】: Not quite, but they do originate from unique and remote environments like Southeast Asian river basins and peat swamps. In the wild, they inhabit slow-flowing, blackwater environments. In an aquarium, they require a large tank, plenty of cover and hiding spots, and similar water conditions to their natural habitat.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】: Can I keep the Super Red Arowana secretly like Hagrid kept his dragon in “Harry Potter”?
【Professor】: (smiles) Well, they aren’t as difficult to keep as a magical creature. However, their requirements are quite specific. You’ll need a tank of at least 250 gallons, with water temperature between 75-86°F, and a pH of 6.0-7.0. As for feeding, they are carnivorous and require a diet of high-quality pellets, insects, shrimp, and small fish.
5. Behavior
【Child】: Are they like “Finding Nemo” fish, swimming around and chatting with other fish?
【Professor】: (laughs) Not quite like that, but Super Red Arowanas have interesting behavior! They are largely solitary creatures, often lurking near the surface, waiting to ambush their prey. They can also jump quite impressively, so a secure lid for your aquarium is a must!
6. Breeding
【Child】: In the movie “Rio,” when Blu and Jewel fall in love and face challenges together, do Arowanas have a similar romantic story?
【Professor】: Breeding Arowanas is indeed an intriguing process! The male Arowana takes the role of a dutiful parent, holding the fertilized eggs in his mouth for around two months. This unique method is called “mouthbrooding.” However, breeding Super Red Arowanas in captivity can be quite challenging due to their specific requirements.
7. Cautions
【Child】: Can they live peacefully with other fish, like the fishes in the “Little Mermaid”?
【Professor】: Well, this is where the dragon resemblance comes back; Super Red Arowanas can be aggressive and territorial. It’s best to keep them in a species-only tank or with similar-sized, non-aggressive tankmates. Also, it’s important to be aware of the legality, as Arowanas are an endangered species and may have restrictions on trade.
8. Conclusion
【Child】: So, the Super Red Arowana is like a magical underwater dragon with a vibrant personality!
【Professor】: That’s right! Super Red Arowanas are truly unique creatures, requiring specialized care and a great deal of attention. By understanding their characteristics, habitat, husbandry requirements, behavior, breeding, and cautions, you can appreciate and admire them as the remarkable aquatic dragons they are.