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Like almost any other hobby or pursuit, fishkeeping has its fair share of those who are willing to spend that little bit extra for something special. While book lovers yearn for pristine first editions and car enthusiasts will spend hours polishing their vintage pride and joy, some aquarists will go to extraordinary lengths to acquire that one species that will make everyone else green around the gills with envy. 

 
The Asian Arowana, or “Dragonfish” is one such species and the epitome of the freshwater status symbol. Native to Southeast Asia, Dragonfish inhabit “blackwater rivers” - deep, slow-moving waters flowing through forested swamps and wetlands. Demand for the fish is rocketing thanks to the new breed of super-rich businessmen in the region, and although breeding is only permitted in three countries -- Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore – its huge popularity could either be what saves it from extinction or the very thing that causes it to disappear from the wild forever.
 
The Arowana’s growing appeal is due to its looks as well as its scarcity, as many Asian cultures believe it resembles a dragon and therefore symbolises good health, fortune, prosperity, family harmony and protection against evil. Others believe the fish has the supernatural ability to preserve its owner from death by dying itself, or that it is a symbol of wealth and refinement, much like a work of art.
 
Similarly, an Arowana with a single row of scales along the crest of its back, rather than splitting in two at the gills, is declared "I Thiaw Long," or "dragon in the dark," and its value immediately doubles. Some albino or "platinum" specimens have also gone for higher prices than the "super red" variety, as they are much rarer. 
 
Restrictions are understandably very tight. All legal breeders must register with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and each captive-bred fish must be sold with an accompanying certificate and implanted with a microchip so it can be identified at all times.
 
But despite even these precautions, the fever for Dragonfish generates a very high level of smuggling. The high-profit margins involved mean that a huge number of illegal captures are made in order to feed the illicit trade.