Pahang Gold?

The discussion of Pahang Gold came up again on ArowanaClub Singapore. So here is what I know about Pahang Gold arowana. Are there any arowanas in Pahang? Apparently, the answer is YES from this research. From this research, it says that green arowanas can be found in Lake Bera, a huge freshwater lake in Pahang.

From this blog, we can also see pictures of green arowanas being fished out. So there is definitely arowanas in Pahang but these are green arowanas. If there are any, the gold arowanas in Pahang are probably extinct or have never existed in Pahang before.

A green arowana from Pahang

A green arowana

So how did the Pahang Gold come about?

There are 2 types of golden arowanas that we know of today. The Indonesia golden arowana, also known as Red Tail Gold (RTG) and the Malaysian golden arowana, also known as Golden Crossback (XB).

RTG, note the gold scales are only up to 4 levels

A golden crossback, note the gold scales will cover the entire body

Top view of a XB. Note the gold scales on the top. Only XB have gold scales on the top.

Given that there are no golden crossback arowanas in Pahang, then where did they come from? The answer lies in the Bukit Merah Lake located in Perak. Golden crossback arowanas are known to be found in this lake.

According to D24...

Historically, gold is associated with royalty. In the 1970s, the Sultan of Malaysia was from Pahang. As a sign of respect, all gold arowanas exported from Malaysia were termed Pahang Gold. This differentiates the golden crossbacks from the red tail gold arowanas. Thus, there began a long urban legend that Pahang Gold refers to top grade golden crossback arowanas when in fact all golden crossback arowanas originated from Bukit Merah Lake.

A beautiful mature Golden Crossback Arowana

Dropsy - symptoms and cures

Dropsy is 1 of the most feared diseases in the aquatic world. So what exactly is dropsy?

It is difficult to understand what exactly is dropsy but the easiest way to identify an arowana with dropsy is a lethargic arowana that seldom swims, with a bloated stomach and has scales that opened up from the body. Not sure what it meant by scales opening up? Look no further ...

An arowana with scales that open up. Picture taken from this post

As you can see from the picture, the stomach as seen from the top view, appears swollen. According to most publications, there is a build up of fluids inside the stomach. The swelling becomes obvious as seen from the top view and it looks like pineapple with scales opening up. 

Here is another video of an arowana in an advanced stage.

Sometimes, the eyes might bulge out and the colour of the scales would fade off. Here is an example of an arowana suffering from dropsy with bulging eyes taken from this link. When untreated, the arowana will ultimately dies. 

The precise root cause of this deadly disease is unknown. What we do know is that when water is dirty and when temperature is low, arowanas will be more prone to this disease. Feeding live food to arowanas might also be a cause but we can't be too sure. 

So how do we treat it? 

Unfortunately this disease isn't fully understood but there are some documented treatments that might work. The below is 1.

Disclaimer: treatment method is undertaken at your own risks. We are not responsible for any results that happen as a result of your treatment.

1. Replace cotton wool in filter

2. Filter out dirty water about 10%

3. Increase temperature to 30C

4. Add salt. I would add about 3 handful of salt. Some might use Epsom salt

5. Apply Aquamedi Multicure

6. Repeat steps 2 to 5

As seen from this page, this medication can cure the following

"Aqumedi MULTICURE treats most bacterial infections and Aqumedi ICH CURE treats parasite Ichthyophthirius.

Aqumedi MULTI CURE combat & treat dropsy ( stick out gills,raised scales & swelling of the body ), fin shed, cramped fin, red skin ( costia) cloudy eye, oodium, white fungus, blue fungus, pully fingus.Prevent infections & cure injury of the skin ^ open wounds.

Aqumedi ICH CURE is highly effective remedy against the parasite Ichthyophthirius -- small white spots on body & fins of fish. Fish shows discomfort & rubbing & flick on aquarium sides in an attempt to dislodge the parasites."

Once again, if you suspect your arowana has dropsy, act fast. Do not delay.