Interview - Arowana

[D24]

A CHAT WITH AN ARO BREEDER, 4 JAN 2009


Q: Golden Heads and Crossings on Crossback Golden – this used to show up only in matured Crossback Golden. However, these days, there seemed to be a lot of 6 – 7" Golden Heads/Crossbacks, some as young as 5". How has breeding methods and/or techniques changed to enable such creations?

A: High quality fish will show these attributes even when young. However, a lot of breeders fake this by using a cross-over green arowana to hybrid with the X-back or RTG to produce young which they pass of as good quality X-Back.


Q: Since breeders are able to produce such young beauties, why are prices of Aros still falling compared to a few years ago?

A: Price are now lower because there are many more breeders. There are also some unscrupulous breeders who use hybrids indiscriminately to produce poor quality arowanas, which usually look nice when young, not when they mature. As they are poor in quality, the price will also be low.

There are several other reasons for the lower prices;

- the “flood” of farms producing low quality “fake” arowanas. These arowanas are smuggled/sold to newer markets, eg: China, India and Vietnam, where buyers/traders are more interested in low prices, rather than quality. However, local authorities are now clamping down on smuggling activities in Arowana producing countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia as well as in the country of import. Therefore, I believe the prices of Arowanas will move upwards.

- Smugglers who were caught smuggling last year had their Import/Export licence revoked by the local authorities. Therefore, there was a “funfair” where they desperately try to sell their products locally.


Q: White Fibre Tank Treatment – can you tell us more about this treatment?

A: White fibre tank treatment enhances the colour development of all gold arowanas. Both quality and “fake” fish benefit from this treatment.


Q: Strong lighting treatment – heard that this is now commonly used. What is the benefit of such treatment? Is the strong lighting harmful to the Aros? Will it lead to visual defects or even blindness?

A: Strong lighting treatment for Gold Aros have the same effect as White Fibre Tank Treatment. As for the Red Aros, the strong lighting works the same as sunlight and enhances the red colour.

The strong lighting should not be harmful to the Aros, although the glare may cause droop-eyes.


Q: What is your opinion of proxy farming? Heard that some hobbyists are buying batches from the same spawn and then doing their own breeding.

- Should this be encouraged?
- Would it cause in-breeding?
- We sometimes see 14 – 15" brooders – is this the cause of in-breeding?

A: Proxy farming refers to joint venture between a fish farm and any hobbyist who wishes to breed arowanas in the farm’s premises. The hobbyist will provide the arowanas, while the farm will provide the breeding facilities, expertise and obtaining approvals from CITES and other relevant authorities.

In my opinion, it is a win-win arrangement as;

- the farm can increase its supply of arowanas from the direct increase in breeding stock;
- there is sharing of burden and risks by the farm and hobbyist;
- the hobbyist learns the process of breeding which saves costs and time and experience the joy of breeding arowanas;
- hobbyist need not apply for permit as the farm is already licensed to breed arowanas;
- both parties can generate revenue.

Inbreeding of early generations of off-springs is not a problem.

It only becomes a problem if it continues for a prolonged period, without new blood being added to the gene pool. Common problems resulting from this include deformity, poor health, sterile, ie: inability to breed, etc.

14-15" brooders are not the result of inbreeding. It is the result of breeders stunting their growth when they were young to produce stronger colouration. This is especially so with the reds from Indonesia where this practice is very prevalent. Such stunted fish have very strong colours when but, but if you take a closer look, you will notice that they have big heads relative to their body size, sunken cheeks and big pop-out eyes. They will also have very poor appetites as well.


Q: Some breeders used to claim that Aros command better prices in overseas market, such as Japan. Is this still the case now? Are better quality Aros also still being exported?

A: Quality fish are in demand and can command good prices all over the world. Seasoned hobbyists in Singapore they are also willing to pay high prices. U must always remember this very wise saying ... 'Good things are not Cheap and Cheap things are not Good!'. Can u buy a Ferrari or a Rolls Royce cheap?


Q: Many Aro Pro shops have been closing down and some farms are doing direct e-retailing. Where do you think the arowana market is heading?

A: Most shops selling Asian Arowanas do not understand the product they are selling and therefore most cannot survive in this business. They sell arowanas the same way they sell louhans or China goldfish like there is no tomorrow and must sell cheap to stay in business.

To be successful in the arowana business u must sell the arowana the way the Japanese sell Japanese Koi or Japanese goldfish. The Japanese know their product very well and take time and effort to explain to the customers what they are buying.

Sadly, most of the aro shops locally are not capable and/or competent to do so. Some unscrupulous ones even resort to cheating and conning. Thus, their demise!

Q: Do you have any final advice or knowledge you wish to impart to hobbyists?

A: My advice - learn more about this fish before 'jumping in heads first' for u will certainly drown! The reputation of the seller is of utmost importance. Recommendation by word of mouth is still best. A good reputation is not obtained thro blowing one's own trumpet. Do not fall prey to the 'cheap-tag' ploy and gimmicks used and always be wary when a seller makes you all kinds of promises or an offer too good to refuse.

Contributed by Andrew Tan. (Thanks Andrew)

D24

[D24]

A chat with one of the most respected breeder in Singapore, 13 Jan 2009

Q: Golden Heads and Crossings on Crossback Golden – this used to show up only in matured Crossback Golden. However, these days, there seemed to be a lot of 6 – 7" Golden Heads/Crossbacks, some as young as 5". How has breeding methods and/or techniques changed to enable such creations?
A: Selective breeding is used here. While white fibre tank treatment and lighting also enhances the fish, genes is still of utmost importance in determining the quality.

Q: Since breeders are able to produce such young beauties, why are prices of Aros still falling compared to a few years ago?
A: Unfortunately, the supply outstrips the demand, thus the falling prices.

Q: Some breeders used to claim that Aros command better prices in overseas market, such as Japan. Is this still the case now? Are better quality Aros also still being exported?
A: Yes. Overseas market do have a higher demand for premium quality fish. They also command a better price, with China being the largest market for us today.

Q: Besides mud pond and cement pond, has breeders been able to breed Aros in fiberglass tank successfully?
A: Yes. However, the success rate is lower than those in mud ponds.

Q: What is the success rate of your incubation tank, ie: % of survival?
A: It really depends on the condition of the eggs. The success rate can be 70 – 90% if the condition of the eggs is strong. If it is weak, it could even be less than 10%.

Q: What type of water do you use in incubation tanks?
A: Pond or aged water.

Q: What is the percentage of male and female aros from each spawn?
A: Unfortunately, I am unable to answer this question as our Aros are sold when they are young - before we can accurately tell the sex of the Aro. FYI, the sex of the Aro is only apparent when it becomes an adult.

Q: Why is there limited breeding of a crossbreed of XB and Super Reds? In fact, some farms do not even sell this crossbreed anymore.
A: We are still very active in breeding crossbreed of XB and Super Reds. However, they are usually exported as the demand is very high overseas and it also commands a much higher price. If a local buyer is interested, they can still order it from us.

Q: If you have a batch of arowanas which does not meet your minimum standards, will you still sell them?
A: Yes, they will be sold as low grade Aros.

Q: What type of food do you feed your Aros?
A: We usually feed them pork, fish, chicken breast, market prawns, frogs.

Q: How can we improve the colours of Aros for the Gold and Reds?
A: By exposing them to lighting.

Q: Is there a way to encourage XBs to cross faster?
A: White fibre tank treatment and lighting will help.

Q: How do you differentiate/identify male and female aros by their features, other than waiting for the aros mouth pouch balloon ?
A: There are many factors, but most obvious identification is the shape of the jaw. However, the accuracy is only about 70%.

Q: Is male aros hostile only towards male aros and not the opposite sex ?
A: No. They can be hostile to both sexes.

Q: Are hobbyists able to change their aros with the sellers if the Aros do not turn out to be what they are suppose to be as stated on the certificate? Eg:
Red with XB cert, RTG with full pearl and 6th level crossing, XB that look RED etc....
A: I cannot speak for all shops or breeders. However, if you buy from my farm – yes, you can.

Q: Do you have any final advice or knowledge you wish to impart to hobbyists?
A: From my experience, I noticed that most hobbyists always ask about how to choose a good fish, very very rarely, do I meet one who ask how to condition the fish. I hope that hobbyists will pay as much attention to Aro keeping, such as learning about good set-up, filtration system, etc. Good water = happy/good fish.

Though good genes is of utmost importance, without proper conditioning, no matter how good the fish is, it will never flourish to it’s full potential.

One last word - we must first plant the fruit, before we can taste it’s sweetness.

Contributed by Andrew Tan. (Thanks Andrew)

D24

[D24]

To reach out to more hobbyists, we have translated the interview in Mandarin. Happy reading...

1)近期的过背金龙在五，六寸就展现金头和第六排鳞片出现金框，这些条件以往只
会在成鱼才会出现。是因为近期的繁殖科技进步呢，还是有什么技巧能使小金龙达到如此的成绩呢？
A)品种的分类，还有白色环境跟灯光的影响是能加速这些成绩。但龙鱼本身的特质是最重要的。

2)即然现在能配殖出这么高品质的小鱼，为什么目前龙鱼的价格一直在下滑呢？
A)很不幸的现在供应多过需求所以造成目前的价格下滑。

3)有些龙鱼繁殖者说出口龙鱼的利润会比在本地消售来得高？还有是不是比较高品质的龙鱼都消售到国 外去了？
A)是的，国外对高品质的龙鱼需求比本地高，卖价也比较好，由其是中国是我们目
前的最大出口地。

4)你有没有遇过龙鱼在普通的鱼缸成功繁殖？
A)有的，但成功的非常少。

5)人工孵化鱼卵的机率有多高？
A)这可要看鱼卵状况而定，好的鱼卵成功孵出建康的小鱼可达到七十到九十巴仙,不建全的，可能只有 十巴仙。

6)工孵化鱼卵需要什么样的水质?
A)普通的池水或储存水都可以。

7)在每批成功孵化的小鱼里，有多少是雌的多少是雄的。
A)我无法回答这问题，通常在龙鱼很小的时后就会出售了。龙鱼只能在成鱼才能分便雌雄。

8)为什么目前市场异种(金龙配红龙)交配的龙鱼减少了，甚至有些鱼场不再繁殖了？
A)我的鱼场还在推行异种交配，但这主要是共应给国外需求。如果本地有买客可向我们购买。

9)如果你繁殖出出来的小鱼达不到你所设定的标准，你会怎样处理它们？
A)会把它们当着比较低品质的龙鱼出售。

10) 你的龙鱼都喂些什么食物？
A) 猪肉，小鱼，鸡胸肉，鲜虾。

11)要怎样才能增加龙鱼的色泽？
A)增加灯光的照射。

12)有什么方法可以让过背金龙在最快的时间达到“过背”呢？
A)白色的鱼池和灯光都有帮助。

13)除了等待龙鱼含卵，怎么从龙鱼的刑状分便雌雄？
A)有很多要素，但最普遍是看鱼颚，但准确度只有七十巴仙。

14)是不时只有雄的龙鱼才会攻击同性，而不是异性？
A)不是的。

15)消费者能否要求对换所购买的龙鱼如果达不到证书所列的品类？
A)我不能代表别间鱼场或鱼店，要是证实我们鱼场购买的，我们鱼场是接受对换的。

16)你有没有什么金玉良言可传授给我们这些龙鱼爱好者？
A)以我的经验，我发觉很多养龙鱼者都会问怎么挑选一条好的龙鱼。好的
很少人会问我怎么把龙鱼的状态养到最好，我希望养鱼者应该把主注意力放在怎么把过滤系统搞好。 好水=好鱼。
龙鱼品种固然重要，但没有一个好的养鱼环境，好的水质。
不管多高品质的龙鱼我们也不可能把这龙鱼最顶级的品质发挥出来。

Contributed by Andrew Tan. (Thanks Andrew)

D24