#NSTviral: Two-headed Arowana makes a splash online

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: In what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, a local fish breeder has gone viral after one of his newly hatched arowanas was born with two heads, a rare condition often referred to as a "Siamese twin" fish.
The breeder, Jackson Lee, who raises arowanas from his home in Kepong, was left speechless when he discovered the anomaly while inspecting his latest hatchlings.
"This is the first time I've seen anything like this. In all my years of breeding, I've never had a twin arowana," said Lee.
Ordinarily, Lee sells his baby arowanas for RM150 each. But the arrival of the conjoined twin has left him in a dilemma, should he sell it, or keep it as a rare showpiece?
"I haven't decided what to do yet," he said. "For now, I'm just focused on making sure it grows healthily without any issues or complications. It's only 15 days old, still too early to tell."
According to Lee, the twin fish has not started feeding yet, as its navel has not shrunk, a crucial stage in the development of newly hatched fish.
"Only once the navel shrinks will it begin eating," he said. "Until then, all we can do is wait and monitor its progress."
He added that the fish tends to swim near the bottom of the aquarium, as the weight of its two heads makes it difficult to swim like its peers.
A video posted by Lee featuring the unusual fish quickly gained traction on social media, garnering thousands of views and sparking a wave of reactions.
Among the top comments was a tongue-in-cheek question that left many amused: "If it has two heads, does it count as one fish or two?"
Another user asked whether Lee planned to sell the fish, while many others marvelled at the rare occurrence.
Some dubbed the fish a "living dragon" and a "lucky omen", while others urged Lee to keep it as a symbol of good fortune and uniqueness.
Arowanas, often referred to as the "Dragon Fish" of Asia due to their long, sleek bodies and metallic scales, are among the most prized ornamental fish in the region.
Native to Southeast Asia and parts of South America, arowanas are known for their aggressive temperament, high intelligence, and graceful swimming patterns.
In Chinese culture, they are considered symbols of prosperity, strength, and good luck, with rare varieties fetching tens of thousands of ringgit in the ornamental fish market.
Many believe that owning a healthy arowana can attract wealth, ward off evil spirits, and protect the household from misfortune.
Because of their mythical status and strong links to feng shui, arowanas are often kept in homes, offices, and businesses by those hoping to invite positive energy and abundance.
For Lee, the birth of the two-headed arowana is more than just a biological oddity, it is a pleasant surprise, and perhaps even a powerful sign of good fortune.
"I don't know exactly what it means, but it feels special," said Lee, calling the birth a miracle.
The video continues to go viral on social media, with netizens actively sharing and engaging with Lee's daily live updates and posts on the twin arowana.