Amid the hot summer sun, aquarium fish hobbyists gather at the 2010 AQUAFIESTA
at Tiendesitas in Ortigas, Pasig City. The week-long fish exhibit was held in celebration of
the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Ornamental Fish Week.
The event was composed of a fish competition and exhibit, featuring the largest
Arowana Show and the first Koi and Goldfish Show. Aquafiesta is an annual show
organized by the Philippine Arowan and Luo Han Society (PALHS) which started their
shows in 2007. The objectives of the event are: to make Aquafiesta a venue in promoting
the hobby of raising aquarium fishes; to unite the country’s aquarium fish hobbyists and to
provide a venue for competition and exhibits. The competition intends to inspire Filipino fish
breeders to produce new and improve fish hybrids and also to help the local ornamental fish
industry. Both young and old will surely enjoy viewing some of the fish entries in the
competition for Koi, Goldfish, Arowana and Tigerfish. Commercial shops are also present
selling other aquarium fish varieties, aquarium supplies and accessories.
Flowerhorn fish, a popular fish among hobbyists, belong to the cichlid fish family, notice their
distinctive color patterns and round shaped head.
The group started as a web-based forum or discussion group, with more than 6,000
registered members online, and with 80 active members. Among the major key players are
the majority of business owners from Cartimar market, Franklin Dela Cruz of Lambs
Marketing and Dave Choi and Ivan Co of China Town Pets.
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According to Mr. Vigilart “Archie” David, President of PALHS, “A similar international
event is being held twice a year in Singapore, called AQUARAMA, wherein Filipino
hobbyists join in and most often win in the competitions. It is our aim that maybe in the near
future, we can make AQUAFIESTA an international event here in the Philippines and thus
help lift up the ornamental fish industry.”
Flowerhorn (or Luo Han) belong to the cichlid fish family and are one of them most
popular aquarium fish today, due to their vivid colors, pendians or pearls, and a distinctively
shaped bulging head popularly known as ‘Kok’ The flowerhorn markings or black patterns
found on its body are commonly mistaken for Chinese characters which some believe
further add on to its uniqueness as a lucky fortune fish. Flowerhorns are man-made fishes
or cichlid hybrids, and they basically do not exist in the wild. Their distinct look and playful
attitude make them one of the most popular pets among aquarium hobbyists worldwide.
The Koi and the Goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus) belongs to the Cyprinidae
(Carp) fish family. The Goldfish was one of the earliest fish to be domesticated, and is one
of the most commonly kept aquarium fish. The goldfish is a domesticated version of a dark-
gray or brown carp, native to east Asia and was first domesticated in China, and later
introduced to Europe in the late 17th century. The mutation that gave rise to the goldfish is
also known from other cyprinid species, such as common carp. There are many different
varieties in color and shape of the domesticated goldfish.
On the other hand, the Koi , which literally means "brocaded carp", are domesticated
ornamental varieties of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), kept for decorative purposes in
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outdoor ponds and water gardens. They are also popularly called Japanese carp. They are
also related to the goldfish. Koi were developed in ancient China during the Jin Dynasty and
was later transferred to Korea and Japan, and are still popular there because they are a
symbol of love and friendship. A variety of colors and color patterns have since been
developed; common colors include white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream.
Asian Arowanas (Scleropages formosus) or dragon fish, is one of the “kings” among
aquarium hobbyists due to their
immense popularity, value and
exotic look. It has a unique shape,
flat long body, large mouth and
scales and air of mystery have made
it so special. Its’s shape is a close
resemblance to the ancient Chinese
dragon, which symbolizes luck,
wealth, prosperity and strength.
With these, it is regarded one of the
best fish to be kept for good Feng
shui as the dragon plays a large part
in their myths and folklores. The
Asian Arowana originates from
South East Asia where it inhabits
slow moving waters.
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The Aquafiesta aims to popularize and to prove to the public that captive breeding of
aquarium fishes is possible and feasible here in the Philippines, especially for the Asian
Arowana and other endangered fish species. Through captive breeding, many special man-
made aquarium fish hybrids can be created for the enjoyment of countless fish hobbyists,
provide livelihood opportunities to lot of Filipinos and also assist in the conservation of
endangered or threatened fish species.