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A champion 'dragon fish' worth more than a house underwent surgery to remove an eye for cosmetic reasons after it became uneven.
The operation was filmed in Shanghai, China, and the video was shared on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, on 22nd August.
Footage shows a man carefully cutting away tissue with scissors and tweezers as several people assist with lighting and filming.
The gold-coloured arowana was crowned overall champion at the 2023 World Dragon Fish Championship.
After the competition, rumours spread online that the fish had sold for CNY 1.08 million (GBP 112,000), sparking a debate on social media with the trending phrase that "a dragon fish can actually be exchanged for a house."
The owner denied the sale and said he had no plans to part with the fish.
Experts explained that eye loss in arowanas is not a disease but a common physiological issue linked to feeding habits, light exposure, nearby movements, or fat accumulation.
The Guangdong aquarium owner who carried out the procedure said the surgery lasted just a few minutes and did not threaten the fish’s survival.
He added that such procedures are common among arowana - otherwise known as 'dragon fish' - enthusiasts and described the champion specimen as "perfect" and "top-notch."
The fish's owner admitted he struggled with the decision before agreeing to have the eye removed.
He said the fish is recovering well after the operation in Shanghai.
He also revealed: "A few years ago, someone offered hundreds of thousands to millions of yuan for this fish, but I refused. This year, the eye was removed and I am ready to compete again next year."
The Asian arowana is the world's most expensive aquarium fish.
Its high value comes from its striking red and gold colours, and in 2009 one was reportedly sold for USD 300,000 (GBP 222,000).
In China, many middle-class buyers keep the fish as a symbol of status and good fortune.
(Mike Leidig / newsX)
Byline Journalist: Mike Leidig
Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Spotter: Ivica Stojanovski
Byline Commisioning Editor: Mike Leidig
Byline Senior Writer: Mike Leidig
Byline Picture Editor: Zorica Stojkovik
Byline Video Editor: David Stojkovic
Byline Copychecker: Emily Wu
Byline Illustrator: Angela Trajkovska
Byline News Editor: Mike Leidig
Geography: Shanghai
Subject: Animals, Fish, Health, Healthcare, Surgery/Operations, Social media, Society
T4 Editor Story Rating: 7
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 7
T4 Total rating: 7
