The Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus) comprises several phenotypic varieties of freshwaterfish distributed geographically across Southeast Asia.[3] While most consider the different varieties to belong to a single species,[4][5][6][3][7] work by Pouyaud et al. (2003)[8] differentiates these varieties into multiple species. They have several other common names, including Asian bonytongue, dragonfish, and a number of names specific to the different color varieties.
These popular aquarium fish have special cultural significance in areas influenced by Chinese culture. The name 'dragonfish' stems from their resemblance to the Chinese dragon. This popularity has had both positive and negative effects on their status as endangered species.
^ abMu, Xi-dong; Hong-mei Song; Xue-jie Wang; Ye-xin Yang; Du Luo; Gand-en Gu; Jian-ren Luo; Yin-chang Hu (2012). "Genetic variability of the Asian arowana, Scleropages formosus, based on mitochondrial DNA genes". Biochemical Systematics and Ecology. 44: 141–148. doi:10.1016/j.bse.2012.04.017.
^Hua Yue, Gen; Li, Yang; Lim, Lian Chuan; Orban, Laszlo (2004). "Monitoring the genetic diversity of three Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus) captive stocks using AFLP and microsatellites". Aquaculture. 237 (1–4): 89–102. doi:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2004.04.003.
^Mohd-Shamsudin, Maizatul Izzah; Fard, Maryam Zahedi; Mather, Peter B.; Suleiman, Zaini; Hassan, Rosly; Othman, Rofina Yasmin; Bhassu, Subha (2011). "Molecular characterization of relatedness among colour variants of Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus)". Gene. 490 (1–2): 47–53. doi:10.1016/j.gene.2011.08.025. PMID21945689.
^Pouyaud, L.; Sudarto, Guy G. Teugels (2003). "The different colour varieties of the Asian arowana Scleropages formosus (Osteoglossidae) are distinct species: morphologic and genetic evidences". Cybium. 27 (4): 287–305.