Native Origins: Malaysia – Perak, Trengganu, Bukit Merah Lake, Johor

Common Names/Sub Classification:

Malaysian Gold, Cross Back Golden, Malayan Bonytongue, Pahang Gold, Bukit Merah Blue and Taiping Golden, 24K, 18K, Xback, XB, GoldenHead, GHXB

Body Baseline colour: Blue, Purple, Golden

Countries of Export: Malaysia and Singapore

Characteristics:

• At maturity, the Golden Xbacks’ colour “crosses” over the back of the fish, reaching the 6^th scale and thus obtaining the highest scale level of gold shine.
• Popular Asian cultures believe the Gold colour represents gold bars and brings good luck and wealth to the owner.
• Low supply, caused by reduced quantity of fry on each spawn, and high demand make the Golden Xback one of the most expensive Arowanas in the market today.
• Using enhanced maintenance and care techniques, the Golden Xbacks can develop the gold shine on their head known as a “Golden Helmet” or “Golden Head”.
• Breeders further classify the Gold Head by the percentage of gold shine (50 to 90%).