The Auspicious Arowana

CHRISTMAS rush is over and the next mad dash is to the New Government Center of Bacolod City for the application or renewal of one’s Mayor’s Permit to Operate a Business.

Among the unique and unusual business undertakings in the city are the pet stores. It’s always a joy for me to walk into such stores and see and admire the different animals that are for sale therein.

Some unique animals that I have seen are the arowanas which are said to bring good luck and fortune to one’s business if these live creatures are kept in aquariums in the office buildings.

Habitats of arowanas range from Asia to Africa, South America and Australia. They are freshwater fishes and grow to around two to three feet in captivity.

An arowana in the wild can grow up to four feet in length. If you happen to pass by the St. Peter Chapels in Brgy. Alijis, there’s a big preserved arowana on display right at the information counter.

It is a solitary fish when it matures, as adults have been shown to exhibit dominance and aggressive behavior in the company of other fishes. Its diet includes frozen or live brine fish, black worms and small fishes.

A search in Google led to a charming table décor of an arowana swimming over a seabed filled with prosperity coins. It is also said that, for Rabbits like me, an arowana ring amulet can make us hop from one success to another. I wonder where such rings are available.

If you would like an arowana artwork to serve as a powerful energizer of good fortune for your business, then there’s this wooden bas relief of an arowana made by Noby Juno that’s presently on display at the Boy Scouts of the Philippines building right across the SSS building along Lacson Street. Check it out!