There ’s a just chance that , unless you ’re an exotic fish collector , you ’ve never heard of the Asian arowana . But in some circles , the nondescript fish — which is indigenous to the river and swamps of Southeast Asia — can grow up to 3 feet long and fetch a monetary value of up to $ 150,000 . grant to author Emily Voigt , who late published abookon the Asian arowana entitledThe Dragon Behind the Glass : A True Story of Power , Obsession and the World ’s Most Coveted Fish , people have even been murder over the rare fish .
PRIrecently talked to Voigt about her experience research the Asian arowana . The endangered arowana is raised and sold in Southeast Asia , but it ’s illegal to own one in the United States ( just handling one can bring you inlegal trouble ) .
The arowana is raised " on farm that are likened to mellow - security measures prisons , " Voigt told PRI . " They have high concrete wall and mordacious conducting wire and Rottweilers prowling around the margin at night . "
accord to Voigt , the exotic Pisces the Fishes is believed to resemble a dragon and is associate with prosperity . But , above all , it ’s a status symbol around the humanity . The fish have inspired heists , and sorrowing pet owners have hire professional favored detectives to dog down stolen arowana . “ There ’s been snatch and fish - related wickerwork and even murder , ” she says .
In aDaily Beastarticle , Voigt explains that it ’s unclear why the Asiatic arowana has become so desired . However , she believes its designation as an endangered species may be driving up its time value , since its perceived rarity is part of what makes it so likable .
“ Their inflated value drives their exploitation , causing them to become ever rarer and hence more desirable until they ’re suck in into an ‘ quenching vortex , ’ " Voigt explains . grow by the thousands , but rarely found in the wild , the Asiatic arowana has become what Voigt calls “ a mass - farm endangered metal money . ”
[ h / tPRI ]
