Description
Scientific Name: Scleropages formosus (Asian Arowana – Red Tail Golden variety) Origin: Pekanbaru river system in Sumatra, Indonesia.
Physical Characteristics The RTG is often considered the “entry-level” Gold Arowana, but it is incredibly beautiful in its own right.
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The “RTG” Factor: The key feature that defines an RTG is the height of its gold coloration. The gold shine on its scales typically reaches the 4th level (counting from the belly up). The 5th and 6th rows (the back) remain dark, usually black or dark brown. This “gold bottom, dark top” look distinguishes it from the more expensive “Crossback Golden,” which is gold all the way over the back.
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Fins: As the name suggests, the pelvic, anal, and caudal (tail) fins are a distinct deep red or maroon color, which contrasts beautifully with the gold body.
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Size: Like other Asian Arowanas, it is a massive fish, growing to 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) in captivity.
Behavior and Temperament
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Aggression: The RTG is known to be slightly more aggressive and territorial than the Silver Arowana. It is a solitary predator that does not tolerate other Arowanas in the same tank (unless in a very large community tank with careful planning).
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Surface Hunter: It swims gracefully near the surface, using its upward-facing mouth and sensory barbels to hunt for food.
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Jumping: It is a powerful jumper. A heavy, latched lid is mandatory.
Care and Habitat
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Tank Size: An adult RTG needs a minimum of 150–180 gallons. The tank should be wide (at least 2.5 to 3 feet width) to allow the fish to turn around without bending its spine.
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Water Conditions: They prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.5–7.5) and warm temperatures (82°F–86°F / 28°C–30°C).
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Tanning: Many keepers use specialized “tanning lights” (lights that mimic sunlight) to help the gold color on the scales develop more intensely as the fish matures.
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