The Goldfish is a fixture in almost every fishbowl.

When it comes to ornamental fish, you can’t go wrong with the Flowerhorn, the Koi and Goldfish, the Arowana, and the Tiger Fish. There are other popular fish available in pet shops but none of them can top the popularity of the fish we just named.

The Flowerhorn, for instance, is appealing because of its distinct look, vivid colors and playful attitude. It belongs to the cichlid fish family and is known for its unique bulging head popularly known as the Kok. The markings or black patterns found on its body resemble Chinese characters. It has since been deemed as the lucky fortune fish.  Flowerhorns are man-made or cichlid hybrids, and they basically do not exist in the wild.

The Koi and the Goldfish (Carassius auratus) belong to the  Cyprinidae (Carp) fish family.  The Goldfish was one of the earliest fish to be domesticated, and is one of the most commonly kept aquarium fish.  It’s a domesticated version of the dark-gray or brown carp, native to East Asia. It was first became popular in China, and later introduced in Europe in the late 17th century.

On the other hand, the Koi , which literally means “brocaded carp,” is the domesticated ornamental variety of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio).  Popularly known as the Japanese carp, it is kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds and water gardens.  It is also related to the Goldfish.

The Koi was developed in ancient China during the Jin Dynasty and was later transferred to Korea and Japan. It is still popular there because it is considered to be a symbol of love and friendship. A variety of colors and color patterns have since been developed. Common colors include white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream.

Because of its value and exotic appearance, the Asian Arowanas (Scleropages formosus), or dragon fish, is a most sought-after fish among aquarium hobbyists. Its shape is very unique. It has a flat, long body and a large mouth and large scales. This unusual and enigmatic-looking creature has the shape of a Chinese dragon, which symbolizes luck, wealth, prosperity and strength.  It has thus been considered good Feng Shui to have an Arowana, which originates from Southeast Asia where it inhabits slow-moving waters.

The Tigerfish is from a small family of peripheral freshwater fish found in Southeast Asia, India and New Guinea. Its tiger-like color pattern and large size has made it a popular choice though it is has been classified as endangered and needs conservation. Its basic shape is similar to that of the snapper. It has a shape laterally-compressed body, large eyes, and a very big mouth.  In terms of ecology, the  Tigerfish is a solitary stealth hunter. It hides among plants where it waits for prey.

Thus, the Tigerfish thrives in  tanks with a lot of plants. It is a territorial but otherwise peaceful predatory fish that mixes well with other types of fish that are too large to be eaten.

Ornamental fish fest

Ornamental fish took the limelight last week when the 2010 Aquafiesta opened at Tiendesitas in Pasig City.  Organized by the Philippine Arowana and Luo Han Society (PALHS), the week-long festival was held to coincide with the Ornamental Fish Week celebration of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

The event included a fish exhibit showcasing the Arowana, Koi, and Goldfish. Organizers say Aquafiesta is held to promote the hobby of raising aquarium fish, unite the hobbyists, and provide a venue for competition and exhibits.  The competition intends to inspire Filipino fish breeders to produce new and improve fish hybrids and help the local ornamental fish industry.

PALHS president Vigilart “Archie” David says a similar event dubbed Aquarama is held twice a year in Singapore. Filipino hobbyists also exhibit their fish at Aquarama and hove won several awards. “It is our aim that maybe in the near future, we can make Aquafiesta an international event here in the Philippines and thus help lift up the ornamental fish industry,” he says.

Also, Aquafiesta intends to impart the fact that captive breeding of aquarium fish like the Asian Arowana and other endangered fish species is possible and feasible in the Philippines. Through captive breeding, many special man-made aquarium fish hybrids can be created as a hobby, provide livelihood opportunities, and assist in the conservation of endangered or threatened fish species.

PALHS started as a web-based forum or discussion group, with more than 6,000 registered members online, and with 80 active members.  Among the major key players are the majority of business owners from Cartimar market, Franklin dela Cruz of Lambs Marketing, and Dave Choi and Ivan Co of China Town Pets.