New batch of Flower Horn arrives in time for championships
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Mature flower fish stands good chance in contest

Ilufah Aquarium and Trading Co in Kiulap announced that it has new arrivals of mature Flower Horn fish at its establishment. Koh Chun Siong, the proprietor of Ilufah, said that the species had just arrived from Malaysia in time for fish enthusiasts to enter for the 1st Brunei National Pearl Horn Championships and Exhibition 2003. This will be held at the Fish Landing Complex in Serasa from May 30 until June 1.

"The newly arrived mature Flower Horn species could be entered for the competition for enthusiasts who are not confident enough of winning the championship with their current stock.

"But the mature Flower Horns were also meant for hobbyists who do not wish to breed the species from small," he said.

Unlike the young hatches that cost as little as $3 each, the mature ones may cost buyers a fortune, especially those that are rated high.

"Flower Horn species are exciting because you could never be sure how they turn out. Many hobbyists in Malaysia threw their Flower Horns in the river after the fish did not turn out as they wish.

"However, after certain exposure to natural habitat, the fish were found to have developed their full potential - evident when some people caught the fish from the river," he said.

The prices of Flower Horn species depend on many factors, such as the patterns on the length of their bodies, the size of their bulging heads, the shapes of their bodies (either rounded or elongated) and faces. The most expensive Flower Horn was for sale at $600,000 during a Malaysian exhibition last year.

Koh also announced a change of organisers for the competition is now jointly organised by Bakarang and Ilufah Aquarium with cooperation with the Fisheries Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. The event is part of the department's Fisheries Carnival of 2003.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin