Fish profile · Osteoglossidae

Asian arowana

Scleropages formosus

AquariumFreshwaterNative to MalaysiaEndangered (IUCN)

Also called Asian bonytongue, Dragonfish, and Golden arowana

The Asian arowana is a native freshwater fish with high ornamental value. Wild populations face pressure from collection, and international trade is regulated under CITES.

Last reviewed 26 October 2026 · 8 sources

Photo of Asian arowana — (c) desertnaturalist, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY

Max length: 90 cm
IUCN: EN; Endangered
In Malaysia: Native
Family: Osteoglossidae; order Osteoglossiformes

Category from the IUCN Red List, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0); it may lag the latest Red List assessment.

How big?

Linear scale · person 170 cm

Up to 90 cm.

The person is 170 cm tall.

Where in Malaysia

3 open-licence records · GBIF

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Recorded (open records)

Recorded in Sarawak and Perak. Based on 3 open-licence records on GBIF. Few records can mean few surveys, not few fish.

Habitat

Lowland rivers Reservoirs

Freshwater rivers and lake systems; historical records include the Kenyir catchment.

Diet: Young fish eat insects; adults mainly eat other fish.

Before you fish

Scleropages formosus is listed in CITES Appendix I and Malaysia’s International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008. Obtain the applicable documentation before buying or trading it.

Rules change and differ by state. Check with your state Fisheries Office before you fish. Last checked 26 October 2026.

More photos

Asian arowana, photo 2 — (c) desertnaturalist, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY

Asian arowana, photo 3 — (c) Heidi Meudt, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY

Sources

Last reviewed 26 October 2026