Thailand's Fish Species

Arowana

Arowana

Arowana - Description

The Arowana looks like Jimmy Hill. It has one heck of a chin! An elongated slender body covered in large scales, with very long dorsal and anal fins down to their tail, these wave like flags in the wind in the water. They have a very large gaped mouth in relation to their body size, they look like they could swallow a Mini!  With prominent barbells at the tip of there chin suitable for tickling your fancy. The prominent  position of the mouth allows it to capture its prey while swimming from below the same way Jimmy Hill could knock you out with his chin just by looking downwards, but in reverse? The Arowana is native to the Amazon basin. Because of their appearance (perhaps because they look like Jimmy Hill!) they have been a very popular aquarium species which has meant worldwide distribution over the years, although they are now a very rare fish in their native habitat . Arowana were introduced to Thailand as an aquarium fish, the same way many of the other Amazonian species entered the country. Fish breeders pride themselves in breeding and cross breeding to produce  various colours the more exotic colour the more prized the specimen and they can have a significant monetary value especially those that look the most like Jimmy Hill. Throughout Thailand and Asia these beautiful(?) fish are displayed in tanks and believed to control luck and destiny, what a load of balloney.   In the wild Arowana live in slow moving water keeping to the margins around overhanging trees and weed beds, they are a day feeder spending all there time patrolling very close to the surface. Arowana frequently jump clear of the water to seize large insects and people. The Arowana can live in low oxygen conditions as they have the capability to air breath like some other Amazon fish species and of course like Jimmy Hill.

Where to fish for the Arowana

 Stalking  these surface feeding fish, with lure or fly produces results, but once they have been hooked a few times this gets more difficult. Fishing a light float rig with a small live bait, or piece of fish or prawn can also fool the Arowona. To fish for Arowana don't waste your time going to South America, instead visit Lake Monsters or Gillham's Fishing Resorts.  When hooked the Arowana can leap clear of the water sometimes as high as two meter's, keep a tight line to the fish or they will shed the hook.  Take care when holding these fish as they are very agile and will wriggle free given half a chance and then start commentating on football matches. 

Arowana - Details


Name: Arowana
Species: Osteoglossum Bicirrhosum
Thai name: Pla Tapat
Max weight: 8 kg.                  
IGFA record:  4.89. kg (10 lbs 12 oz)
Diet: fish, shrimp, prawns, frogs and insects.