龍魚的英文名叫什么名字呢：The English Name of the Dragon Fish:Arowana and Its Fascinating World

龍魚的英文名為"Arowana"，屬于骨舌魚科（Osteoglossidae），是一種古老而珍稀的熱帶觀賞魚，其修長的體型、閃耀的鱗片和優(yōu)雅的游姿使其被譽(yù)為"水中活化石"，在亞洲文化中更被視為財(cái)富與吉祥的象征，亞洲龍魚（如紅龍、金龍）因?yàn)l危受CITES保護(hù)，而南美、澳洲等品種則展現(xiàn)多樣的生態(tài)適應(yīng)性，從野生棲息地到水族箱養(yǎng)護(hù)，龍魚獨(dú)特的呼吸器官（鰾輔助呼吸）及跳躍捕食習(xí)性，持續(xù)吸引著全球愛好者的關(guān)注與研究。

The dragon fish, known for its majestic appearance and cultural significance, is a prized species among aquarium enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. But what is the English name of this magnificent creature? The answer is Arowana, a term derived from the scientific name Osteoglossum, which belongs to the family Osteoglossidae. This article delves into the origins of the name, the biology of the arowana, its cultural symbolism, and its role in the global aquarium trade.

The Origins of the Name "Arowana"

The word "arowana" is believed to have originated from the indigenous languages of South America, where one of the most well-known species, the Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), is native. The scientific name Osteoglossum translates to "bone-tongue," referring to the fish's unique toothed tongue, which is a distinguishing feature of the species.

Arowanas are often called "dragon fish" due to their elongated bodies, large scales, and whisker-like barbels, which resemble the mythical dragons of Asian folklore. This nickname is particularly popular in East and Southeast Asia, where the fish is considered a symbol of prosperity and luck.

Biology and Species of Arowana

Arowanas are ancient fish, with fossil records dating back to the Jurassic period. They are part of the Osteoglossidae family, which includes several species found in freshwater habitats across South America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. The most notable species include:

1. Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus) – The most coveted and expensive species, native to Southeast Asia. It is often referred to as the "dragon fish" due to its resemblance to Chinese dragons.
2. Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) – Found in the Amazon Basin, known for its silvery scales and impressive jumping ability.
3. Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai) – Native to the Rio Negro region in South America, distinguished by its darker coloration.
4. Australian Arowana (Scleropages jardinii and Scleropages leichardti) – Found in northern Australia, these species have a more subdued color palette compared to their Asian counterparts.

Arowanas are obligate air breathers, meaning they must surface to gulp air, a trait that allows them to survive in oxygen-poor waters. They are also carnivorous, feeding on insects, small fish, and even birds in the wild.

Cultural Significance and Feng Shui Beliefs

In many Asian cultures, particularly in China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the arowana is revered as a symbol of wealth, power, and good fortune. Its resemblance to a dragon—a creature associated with strength and prosperity in Chinese mythology—has elevated its status as a feng shui fish.

• Red Arowana – Believed to bring luck in business and career success.
• Golden Arowana – Symbolizes wealth and financial abundance.
• Green Arowana – Associated with health and longevity.

Due to these beliefs, high-grade Asian arowanas can fetch prices upwards of $300,000, making them one of the most expensive aquarium fish in the world.

Conservation and Legal Status

The Asian arowana is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is protected under the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Appendix I. This means that international trade is heavily regulated, and only captive-bred specimens from licensed farms can be legally sold.

Poaching and habitat destruction have severely impacted wild populations, leading to strict conservation measures. Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have established breeding programs to ensure the species' survival while meeting the demand from collectors.

Arowana in the Aquarium Trade

Arowanas are highly sought after in the aquarium hobby due to their beauty and rarity. However, keeping them requires specialized care:

• Tank Size: Arowanas can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm), requiring tanks of at least 250 gallons.
• Diet: They need a protein-rich diet, including live or frozen shrimp, fish, and insects.
• Water Conditions: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5) and warm temperatures (75-86°F or 24-30°C).
• Behavior: They are territorial and should be kept alone or with large, non-aggressive tankmates.

Conclusion

The arowana, or "dragon fish," is more than just an aquarium showpiece—it is a living relic of prehistoric times, a cultural icon, and a conservation priority. Its English name, Arowana, connects it to its scientific roots while its dragon-like appearance ties it to myth and legend. Whether admired for its beauty, revered for its symbolism, or studied for its unique biology, the arowana remains one of the most fascinating fish in the world.

For aquarists and enthusiasts, owning an arowana is not just a hobby but a lifelong commitment to preserving a species that bridges the ancient and modern worlds.