Dragon Fish
Tagged: animal, animals, bird, cat, fish, invertebrateScleropages formosus
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A fishing eagle hunting over the forests of central Sumatra spotted a large fish in the foaming waters of a stream below. It swooped from the skies, dived into the water, and mated with the armor plated fish. Thus the dragon fish was born. So went the legend of the dragon fish. As is often he case, the story is a somewhat fanciful but not unreasonable explanation of the facts. The remarkable union between a fish and a bird seemed plausible given the large yolks to which baby dragon fish are attached during the first weeks of their development when they incubate inside their father’s mouth. Dragon fish eggs have a spherical yolk that can measure up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) in diameter, making them larger than those of many bird species. It is likely that the legend of the dragon fish was also reinforced by observations. People may have seen predatory birds attempting to prey on dragon fish, although the fish’s thick, immensely strong scales probably protected it from such aerial attacks. If a fishing eagle or other bird of prey were to dive onto a dragon fish, causing a great deal of splashing and foaming in the process, the chances are that it would leave empty-handed (or empty-taloned). It is easy to see how a failed attack (or more likely many failed attacks observed over time) could have been interpreted as mating rather than hunting.
Dragon fish
- Size: Length: up to 35 in (90 cm); usually Scleropages formosus
- Family: Osteoglossidae
- World population: Unknown
- Distribution: Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia (Kalimantan and Sumatra). Possibly Myanmar (Burma); may now be extinct in Thailand
- Habitat: Still or slow-flowing waters that may be turbid (muddy) or heavily vegetated
- Form: Torpedo-shaped body with pointed head, large eyes, and large mouth with barbels (whiskers). Thick, strong scales. Three color forms: green/silver, gold, and red
- Diet: A wide range of invertebrates and small vertebrates may be eaten. They are usually taken from the surface or upper part of the water column, but may occasionally also be plucked off branches above water
- Breeding: About 30 eggs (but as many as 90 or more) are laid and are incubated orally by the male for 5-6 weeks; main breeding season July-December. Mature at 3-4 years
- Related endangered species: Spotted or southern saratoga (Scleropages leichardti), pirarucu (Arapaima gigas)
A Fish of Many Forms
Dragon fish are found in eastern Asia, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Doubt exists about the Myanmar (Burma) populations, and the species may now be extinct in Thailand. The fish are known variously as the Asian arowana, Asian bonytongue, Malayan bonytongue, and emperor fish. In their native waters three names are regularly used: cherek kelesa, ikan arowana (in Malaysia), and in Chinese-speaking countries. The dragon fish occurs in three color forms in the wild (with regional modifications): green/silver, gold, and red. The last of these is deemed the most valuable. Captive-bred varieties include crosses between the different color forms as well as color-selected types, such as the rainbow dragon. Occasionally, albinos have been reported. Breeding can occur throughout the year, but is at its peak between July and December. Actual mating is preceded by a long period of courtship and bonding that can last two or three months. The females (which have a single ovary) will lay about 30 eggs-although over 90 have been reported-which, once fertilized, are picked up by the male in its mouth. From that point onward the female plays no further part in the process. The male, however, will incubate the eggs in its mouth for between five and six weeks, by which time the young fish (fry) can attain a length of nearly 3.5 inches (9 cm).
Fears for the Fish of Good Fortune
The dragon fish is held in high esteem in Asia, where it is believed to bring health, wealth, and luck to its owners. It is kept in aquaria throughout the region and is also much sought after by east Asian communities all over the world. Specialized Western aquarists are also interested in the species, but the large size that adult specimens can attain places the dragon fish outside the reach of most enthusiasts. At one time the dragon fish was classified as Insufficiently Known by the IUCN, but its status has since been changed to Endangered. Whether the concern over the fish’s survival is fully justified or not remains open to debate. Populations have become established from captive-bred specimens in a government plan in Singapore.
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