Asian arowanas are considered "lucky" by many people, particularly those from Asian cultures. This reputation derives from the species' resemblance to the Chinese dragon, considered an auspicious symbol. The large metallic scales and double barbels are features shared by the Chinese dragon, and the large pectoral fins are said to make the fish resemble "a dragon in full flight."

In addition, positive Feng Shui associations with water and the colours red and gold make these fishes popular for aquariums. One belief is that while water is a place where chi gathers, it is naturally a source of yin energy and must contain an "auspicious" fish such as an arowana in order to have balancing yang energy. Another is that a fish can preserve its owner from death by dying itself.

Fish can increase the momentum of wealth generation, gather accumulation of wealth and neutralize negative forces. The chinese always associate the fish with abundance and prosperity with the saying "nien nien yew yu" which means "seeing abundance harvest every year". Because of its strong symbolic meaning, chinese homes are normally decorated with fish ponds, aquariums and art pieces. They believe this is will make the family income "float".

The arowana is known as the "living dragon" or "golden dragon" because it has scales of a dragon's, where it is metallic, reflective and colorful. The arowana also possess mysterious brain ability where it always stay focus, can understand human language and highly talented. That being the reason why it has a superior status in the water kingdom.