Crossbreeds

Courtesy of Kelvin Fong, Guru of “Special” Arowanas

Captive Arowana Breeding started when many different types of Aros were introduced into a pond.  Through this experience, knowledge was gained and led to today’s captive breeding knowhow.  The downside  of this is that it also created Crossbreeds.  However, some claimed that these so called “New Breed” is a creation developed through years of dedicated hardwork by breeders.

Courtesy of Kelvin Fong, Guru of “Special” Arowanas

Well, let us now take a  second look at these so called “New Breeds” or “New Varieties”,  their demands and breeders’ interest in them today.

 The 1.5 Red

This has always been a hot topic.  Many argued that 1.5 Red is actually Yellow Tail or Banjar Red.  However, we now know that Banjar Red or Yellow Tail is a breed which originated from Banjarmasin.  Some claimed that 1.5 Red is a creation by breeders crossing the Super Reds and Yellow Tail.  Others argued that it is a creation by breeders crossing the Super Reds with Green Aros.  I don’t think any breeder in their right frame of mind will intentionally cross Super Reds with Green or Yellow Tail as they are generally less valued than Super Reds.  Whether you breed crossbreeds or pure breeds, the same pond size, overheads, labour and feeding are required.  Even an inferior quality Super Red is still classsified as Super Red.  Therefore, it does not make any business sense for breeders to “create” something new for less return!

 1.5 Red can be a crossbreed of Super Red Arowana with either Green or Yellow Tail.  As Red is classified as Grade 1 and Grade 2 is not Red, anything that is between Grade 1 and 2 is therefore known as 1.5

 Grade 2 Red

This is even more  laughable.  Some claimed that a Grade 2 Red is a breeder’s creation by crossing the Green and the Yellow Tail.  Again – would a breeder invest the same amount of time, money and effort to breed something of generally lesser value?  I leave it to you to form your own conclusion.

Red Golden

Certain locations are not conducive for breeding Super Reds.  However, crossbreeding Super Reds and Gold Aros were proven successful by Mr Lee Ah See of Singapore Arowana Breeding Farm.  Therefore, some breeders find it worthwhile to crossbreed the Super Red and Gold to maximize their output.  With clever marketing, it was a hit.  However, there were and still are many disappointments.

 As far as I know, Crossbreeds were created by accident, and not intentionally created.  If you decide to start an Arowana breeding farm, would you breed these “New Creation”?  Many new breeders today won’t even consider  breeding Red Tail Golden or so called “High Back Golden” as the returns are just not as attractive as breeding the Malaysian Golden or Crossback Golden.