Beautiful xback op. I need to buy one again. In Ontario their prices have dropped significantly. Now is the time to buy.
I must agree with RD. WTT is a sales gimmick. For all fish species the effect is short lasting. I believe the effect people notice is associated with the increase in size (age) of the fish during WTT and not due to the WTT itself.
Thanks Matt, appreciate your input. And very true, prices have gone down quite a bit overall (esp. for golds compared to reds) and there are many stunning Aros available nowadays.
Regarding WTT I wasn't really using it for gold coloration, I know that'll come with age/size as you say, instead WTT is done specifically in the hopes it will further enhance a gold Arowana's shine/pearling/crossing, which is a separate thing from it's actual color.
Personally I'm on the fence about effectiveness of WTT -- as I think I said earlier in a previous post I've had 2 very experienced breeders tell me that it's not really a gimmick (though it
can be used as such with inferior fish and dishonest/greedier sellers), and is effective in showing a fish's potential earlier, and helping to enhance the long-term shine/crossing, IF the fish is kept in WTT until it's about at least 14" or 15" (which few of us want to wait that long and so give up, like I did recently).
So given my GH is only about 12", and as per recent post is now in the process of transitioning out of the WTT, I can't really 100% prove/disprove that grooming theory.
Nonetheless I am curious to see what, if any, will be the effect on his level of crossing/shine after a few months out of WTT, will he lose some crossing or will good genetics prevail, only time will tell.
By the way, that's one awesome, Sumo-looking golden you had there! What were you feeding?