So since the other thread got locked down, let's continue the discussion here, without the "collateral damages".
Jackson (since he was the one asking):
Imho, there are not that many grades of asian arowanas, only commercial names. So basically you have:
Grade 1 Reds:
Those are also called Super Reds. In this category you have the Chili Red and the Blood Red. From what I have learned (or assumed), most breeders now don't breed a particular breed. I mean, most Super Reds are a cross breed between Chili and Blood. In juveniles, it is hard (at least for the newbies like me) to really differentiate the Chili from the Blood. As the reds grow older, some show more characteristics of their bloodline, and that is when people classify them as more Chili or more Blood. Also note that we call them "Super Red", but most of them grow up to be yellowish, orange, or if you are really lucky (or a very good hobbyist) dark orange.
Cross Back Golden:
I believe they are the most expensive on the market. The name comes from the fact that their gold shine goes to the sixth scales line. However, some XBs (the abbreviation of Cross Back) don't cross, those are considered less pretty. Nowadays, we can find many variants of the XB Golden such as Blue Base, Golden Head, Platinum and so on...I have read somewhere that all XB Goldens become Gold as they get older and hence lose their "blue base", but that is for another debate. Some people believe (including myself) that the XB Golden represents money, as the Red represents happyness. That is why in some asian countries, business men keep a Golden Arowana in their office, and a Red at home. Also note that most people refer XBs to Cross Back Golden Arowanas, but the Grade 1 Red Arowanas are also a "Cross Back".
Red Tail Golden:
The most affordable of the High Grade Arowanas (if I can call it that way). Basically, they are cheaper (at least in price) compared to the other gold because their shine is not as good. Nowadays, most RTGs (the abbreviation) are called High Back RTGs, meaning their shine is supposed to get to the 5th scale line. Some "lucky" hobbyists have RTGs that cross, while some "unlucky" hobbyists have HBRTGs that don't even have 5th level shine.
Grade 2 Reds:
Lower Grade Reds, also called Banjar Red, 1.5 Red. There is also Yellow Tails, but I am not sure if they are classified as Grade 2 Reds...
Greens:
Well...They are...green. Some sellers call their Green, Cross Back Greens, but to me, a green is a green. Well, maybe except for the Nami Green who commands a very high price as they are supposed to be very rare. Those Nami Greens are the ones that has a "snake skin pattern" on their cheeks and scales.
Here you go...Remember that this is from my point of view. Please also note that I am no expert in any way. I wrote what I assumed is correct. Any other member, please feel free to fill in or comment my post.
Jackson (since he was the one asking):
Imho, there are not that many grades of asian arowanas, only commercial names. So basically you have:
Grade 1 Reds:
Those are also called Super Reds. In this category you have the Chili Red and the Blood Red. From what I have learned (or assumed), most breeders now don't breed a particular breed. I mean, most Super Reds are a cross breed between Chili and Blood. In juveniles, it is hard (at least for the newbies like me) to really differentiate the Chili from the Blood. As the reds grow older, some show more characteristics of their bloodline, and that is when people classify them as more Chili or more Blood. Also note that we call them "Super Red", but most of them grow up to be yellowish, orange, or if you are really lucky (or a very good hobbyist) dark orange.
Cross Back Golden:
I believe they are the most expensive on the market. The name comes from the fact that their gold shine goes to the sixth scales line. However, some XBs (the abbreviation of Cross Back) don't cross, those are considered less pretty. Nowadays, we can find many variants of the XB Golden such as Blue Base, Golden Head, Platinum and so on...I have read somewhere that all XB Goldens become Gold as they get older and hence lose their "blue base", but that is for another debate. Some people believe (including myself) that the XB Golden represents money, as the Red represents happyness. That is why in some asian countries, business men keep a Golden Arowana in their office, and a Red at home. Also note that most people refer XBs to Cross Back Golden Arowanas, but the Grade 1 Red Arowanas are also a "Cross Back".
Red Tail Golden:
The most affordable of the High Grade Arowanas (if I can call it that way). Basically, they are cheaper (at least in price) compared to the other gold because their shine is not as good. Nowadays, most RTGs (the abbreviation) are called High Back RTGs, meaning their shine is supposed to get to the 5th scale line. Some "lucky" hobbyists have RTGs that cross, while some "unlucky" hobbyists have HBRTGs that don't even have 5th level shine.
Grade 2 Reds:
Lower Grade Reds, also called Banjar Red, 1.5 Red. There is also Yellow Tails, but I am not sure if they are classified as Grade 2 Reds...
Greens:
Well...They are...green. Some sellers call their Green, Cross Back Greens, but to me, a green is a green. Well, maybe except for the Nami Green who commands a very high price as they are supposed to be very rare. Those Nami Greens are the ones that has a "snake skin pattern" on their cheeks and scales.
Here you go...Remember that this is from my point of view. Please also note that I am no expert in any way. I wrote what I assumed is correct. Any other member, please feel free to fill in or comment my post.
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