The Amazon Basin is home to an immense array of freshwater species, many of which are critical not only to the ecosystem but also to the livelihoods and cultural identities of the people who live there. One such species is the arowana, a remarkable fish known for its beauty, agility, and spiritual symbolism. Also called “aruanã” in Portuguese, this fish has become a valued asset in both subsistence fishing and cultural traditions across the Amazon.
This article explores the biological traits of the arowana, its role in local fishing economies, and its profound cultural and spiritual significance to the communities of the Amazon.
What Is the Arowana?
The arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is a freshwater fish native to the Amazon River and its tributaries. Known for its long, slender body, metallic silver scales, and fluid, snake-like movements, the arowana is often referred to as the “dragon fish” due to its resemblance to mythical Asian dragons.
One of its most distinctive features is its upturned mouth, which allows it to feed on prey at the water’s surface. The arowana is a surface predator, feeding on insects, small fish, and even birds or frogs that venture too close to the water. It can leap up to 2 meters (over 6 feet) in the air, making it a formidable and agile hunter.
The fish can grow up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length and is highly sought after for both consumption and ornamental purposes.
Ecological Importance of the Arowana
In the Amazon’s vast and complex aquatic ecosystems, the arowana plays a crucial ecological role. As a top predator in its habitat, it helps maintain balance by controlling populations of smaller fish and insects. Its breeding habits also contribute to the ecosystem’s health.
Arowanas reproduce during the rainy season. The male carries the fertilized eggs in his mouth—a behavior known as mouthbrooding—until the young are ready to swim independently. This remarkable form of parental care ensures a higher survival rate for the offspring and reflects the evolutionary complexity of Amazonian species.
Protecting the arowana means protecting the broader health of Amazonian rivers and wetlands.
Arowana in Local Fishing Practices
Among ribeirinho (riverine) and Indigenous communities, the arowana is a valued fish for food. It is appreciated for its white, firm meat, which is both nutritious and flavorful. Although it does not offer the same volume of meat as larger fish like the pirarucu, it is still a common part of subsistence fishing diets.
Fishing for arowana is typically done using traditional methods, such as hook and line, spears, or hand-made nets. Because of its surface-feeding behavior and leaping abilities, it presents a sporting challenge for fishers, requiring skill and precision.
In some areas, the arowana is also part of regulated fishing systems, where local communities follow seasonal restrictions and minimum size requirements to preserve the species.
The Arowana as an Ornamental Fish
In recent decades, the arowana has gained international popularity as an ornamental fish, especially in Asia, where it is considered a symbol of luck, prosperity, and spiritual power. The silver arowana of the Amazon is particularly prized for its sleek appearance and graceful movements.
This demand has created a commercial trade in arowanas, with young fish collected from the wild or bred in aquaculture systems. In Brazil, the collection and sale of ornamental fish are regulated by IBAMA (Brazil’s environmental agency), which aims to prevent overexploitation and promote sustainable practices.
For local communities, the ornamental fish trade represents an important source of income, particularly in remote areas where economic opportunities are scarce. However, careful management is required to avoid overharvesting and disruption of natural populations.
Cultural Significance of the Arowana
Beyond its economic and ecological roles, the arowana holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning in Amazonian societies. Many Indigenous groups view the arowana as a sacred or symbolic animal, often associated with strength, protection, and ancestral spirits.
Folklore in the Amazon tells stories of the aruanã as a guardian of the rivers, a creature that connects humans with the natural and spiritual world. Some traditions believe that harming an arowana can bring misfortune, while others celebrate it in rituals and storytelling as a creature of wisdom and survival.
The fish’s ability to leap high out of the water has inspired myths of transformation and transcendence, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine.
Conservation Challenges
Like many Amazonian species, the arowana faces multiple threats, including:
- Overfishing: Especially for the ornamental trade, where young fish are highly sought after.
- Habitat degradation: Deforestation, pollution, and the construction of hydroelectric dams threaten the delicate waterways where arowanas live.
- Climate change: Altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures affect river levels, breeding seasons, and food availability.
Sustainable management is essential. In recent years, community-based conservation programs have emerged, integrating local knowledge with scientific data to monitor arowana populations and promote responsible harvesting.
These programs help ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from the arowana without depleting the resource.
A Sustainable Future for the Arowana
The future of the arowana depends on a balance between conservation and community well-being. Fortunately, examples of successful models already exist. In some regions, families are trained to breed arowanas in controlled environments, reducing pressure on wild populations.
At the same time, education campaigns raise awareness among local fishers and traders about the importance of protecting juvenile fish and respecting breeding seasons.
Supporting legal and traceable supply chains for ornamental arowanas can also help reduce illegal trade and create incentives for sustainable practices.
Consumers around the world have a role to play by choosing responsibly sourced arowanas and supporting policies that protect Amazonian biodiversity.
Why the Arowana Matters
The arowana is more than just a fish. It is a symbol of Amazonian resilience, a link between people and nature, and a living example of how traditional knowledge and modern conservation can work together.
Its unique biology, cultural importance, and economic value make it a key species for understanding and preserving the Amazon’s rich aquatic heritage.
Whether admired in a river, served at a family meal, or swimming in a distant aquarium, the arowana reminds us of the complex relationships between humans and nature, and the responsibility we all share to protect the ecosystems that sustain life.
Sou redatora especializada em pesca sustentável no Rio Amazonas, formada em Publicidade e Propaganda. Aliando comunicação e conservação, crio conteúdo que destaca o conhecimento tradicional, práticas sustentáveis e a preservação da biodiversidade amazônica. Meu trabalho visa conscientizar e inspirar ações responsáveis para proteger os rios e as comunidades que deles dependem.