Details
Scleropages formosus
A large ancient-looking fish of Southeast Asian blackwater rivers and wetlands. Metallic scales and an upturned mouth make it prized in the aquarium trade.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Occurs around the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo in slow rivers, swamps, and forest channels, often in dark acidic water.
The body is long and laterally compressed, with large metallic scales that may appear gold, red, or green. The mouth is upturned with two barbels.
It swims alone near the surface and watches for falling insects or small animals. It can jump powerfully when startled.
It eats insects, small fish, crustaceans, and frogs, striking upward at prey near the surface.
Males mouthbrood fertilized eggs and young fry. Growth is slow, and maturity takes time.
International trade is regulated under CITES. Farmed individuals are often microchipped for identification.
