CITES and Legal Status
All Asian arowanas (Scleropages formosus) are CITES Appendix I — meaning every fish must come with documentation, microchip, and CITES export permit. Possession without paperwork is illegal in most countries.
In the United States, Asian arowanas are banned outright under the Endangered Species Act, regardless of CITES status. They are legal in most of Asia, parts of Europe, and Canada with documentation.
Chili Red (Highest Grade)
Chili Red arowanas display deep, blood-red scales from gill plate to tail, with red fins and a stocky body. The intensity of red develops over 3–5 years and is influenced by diet, lighting, and genetics.
Top-grade Chili Red specimens from established Indonesian farms (Henlong, Xian Leng) sell for $5,000–30,000+. They are the rarest and most sought-after arowanas.
Blood Red
Blood Red is similar to Chili Red but with a slightly slimmer body and more orange-red tone. Scales are bright but lack the deep wine color of true Chili Red. Mid-grade Blood Reds sell for $1,500–5,000.
Cross Back Gold (XBG)
Cross Back Gold arowanas develop full gold scales across the back — the gold "crosses over" the dorsal ridge. Top XBGs from Bukit Merah and Pahang lineages sell for $3,000–15,000.
The "crossing back" trait develops between 2–4 years. Until then, juveniles look like standard Red Tail Gold.
Red Tail Gold (RTG)
Red Tail Gold arowanas have golden bodies with red tail and anal fins, but the gold does not cross the back. They are more affordable ($800–3,000) and easier to keep healthy than XBG.
Green Asian
Green Asian arowanas are the most affordable variety ($300–800) with subtle silver-green iridescence. They are full Asian arowanas (Scleropages formosus) with the same care requirements but lack the dramatic coloration of Red or Gold grades.