Return of the Dragon(Breeding of Arowana)
There are a few records that Asian Arowana has been successfully breed inside aquarium. However, it is almost impossible for most hobbyist to provide the same kind of environment. Lets look at Mr. Hiroshi Azuma as an example.
Frist of all, Mr. Hiroshi has access to pairs of adult Asian Arowanas that has been successfully breed in pond condition. So at least the fish is already pair off, and has spawned before moving into his tank in basment.
Then, he has a basement dedicate to just fish breeding. Which can reduce the stress of the fishes which is
Mr. Hiroshi is the most respected fish breeder in Japan. He published the first article on capative breed Asian arowana in 1992 after 20 years of research on this fish. (see January , 1992 issue of TFH).Thanks to the protection from CITES and all the hard works of arowana breeders, Asian arowana has been successfully capative breed and available for commerical trade with legal permits. As a arowana lover, we don't have to hide our prized fish anymore. Today, the real Emperior of aquarium can once again come out from the dark, and reclaim the title and terrestories he once ruled.
To increase the production, lot of fish farm today collect the eggs from the mouth of the parent fish two weeks after the spawning and artifically hatch the eggs. By doing this, the parent fishes can recover faster physically, and move on to the next breeding cycle instead of waiting few mouths. Also, more fishes can be collected. (It is believed that parent fishes swallow part of the eggs as their nurtients supply while mouth brooding .)
by Thomson Hoi
