Asian bonytongue (Scleropages formosus)

Scientific name: Scleropages formosus M?ller & Schlegel, 1844

The Asian bonytongue (Scleropages formosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Osteoglossidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–30°C (75–86°F). Native range: Asia, Southern Myanmar to Malay Peninsula and Indonesia, eastern Thailand to Cardamon Range. International trade banned.

Asian bonytongue care at a glance

Temperature: 24–30°C (75–86°F)

Biology

Occurs in tannin stained blackwater streams. Found in forest covered streams including peat adjacent areas. Take around three months for free swimming fries. Young individuals feed on insects at the water surface, adults take fishes and smaller vertebrates. A mouth brooder, young about 6 cm at birth. Valued as an aquarium fish, its flesh commands a moderate price.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Scleropages formosus
Family: Osteoglossidae (Arowanas)
Order: Osteoglossiformes (Bony tongues)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 90.0
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Asia: Southern Myanmar to Malay Peninsula and Indonesia, eastern Thailand to Cardamon Range. International trade banned.
Conservation status (IUCN): Endangered (EN)(A1cd+2cd)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tm = 3-4; Fec = 50 (in concrete tanks))