【Child】: Professor, I’ve heard of the legendary golden fish from “The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish”. But did you know there’s a mysterious, jet-black fish lurking in the depths of the aquarium world that seems like the complete opposite of the golden fish?
【Professor】: Ah, you must be referring to the Black Arowana! That’s an amazing observation. They do resemble the contrasting character to the golden fish in that story. This rare and fascinating creature has unique features and characteristics that make it highly sought after among aquarium enthusiasts. Today, we’ll dive deep into the world of this enigmatic fish.
2. Characteristics
【Child】: If the Black Arowana were a character in a novel, how would you describe its appearance?
【Professor】: Imagine a dragon from a fantasy novel, with its elongated, sleek body, large shiny scales, and a jawline that could tell a story of its own. They can grow up to 36 inches long and have a distinctive, somewhat menacing, appearance. Their body is iridescent with hues of dark blue, green, and purple, giving the illusion of black from afar. The Black Arowana is a captivating character in the aquarium world, indeed.
3. Habitat
【Child】: Just like the ancient mariner from Coleridge’s poem, we have come across the vast ocean to find the Black Arowana’s dwelling. Where do they live, and can we bring them to our aquarium realm?
【Professor】: The Black Arowana prefers slow-moving, murky waters, such as swamps and floodplains in South America’s Amazon basin. They play a vital role in the ecosystem as both predator and prey. In their aquarium realm, replicate a similar environment with floating plants, dim lighting, and areas for hiding. Keep in mind that their natural habitat’s water should be soft and slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】: Oh, wise professor! Guide us in our quest to create the perfect underwater kingdom for our enigmatic Black Arowana.
【Professor】: Adventure awaits, young one! To set up a suitable kingdom for this magnificent creature, you’ll need a large tank (at least 250 gallons) to accommodate its size. Keep water temperature between 75°F and 82°F. Provide carnivorous food options like krill, shrimp, or small feeder fish. And, like any wise ruler, keep the water kingdom clean with regular maintenance.
5. Behavior
【Child】: Shakespeare once wrote, “all the world’s an aquarium, and all the fish mere players.” What part does our Black Arowana play in this great performance?
【Professor】: The Black Arowana is a solitary performer with nocturnal tendencies. They are surface dwellers and fierce predators, often jumping out of the water to catch insects or small animals. While they are not likely to form close bonds with other fish, they can coexist with larger, territorial species that won’t become their prey.
6. Breeding
【Child】: When the time comes for the Black Arowana to seek their Juliet, how does their love story unfold?
【Professor】: In the Black Arowana’s own aquatic rendition of Romeo and Juliet, the male takes on the role of a doting father, holding fertilized eggs in his mouth for around two months. During this time, he hardly eats, protecting his young until they are old enough to emerge. A relatively stable water temperature of about 80°F will help set the stage for successful breeding.
7. Cautions
【Child】: To keep our underwater kingdom in harmony, what precautions should we take when introducing our enigmatic Black Arowana to its new realm?
【Professor】: A wise ruler would secure a tight lid on the kingdom to prevent escape attempts from these expert jumpers. Choosing tankmates wisely is crucial, as small fish may become an unwilling feast for a hungry Arowana. It is also important to research and comply with legal guidelines, as Black Arowanas are rare and protected in some areas.
8. Conclusion
【Child】: We have come to the end of our fantastical journey, dear professor. What lasting words of wisdom do you have for us regarding the mysterious Black Arowana?
【Professor】: Remember, to succeed in keeping a Black Arowana is to understand its unique needs and requirements. Provide it with a suitable environment that mimics its natural habitat, and it will surely thrive. This enchanting fish with its dragon-like appearance and captivating aura will become the unforgettable centerpiece of your underwater kingdom. Happy fish keeping!