Collectible figures of ancient fish made with soft material
A PVC figure of the silver arowana, a large arowana species that can grow to nearly 1 m long. Its collectible size makes it enjoyable both for play and display.
Silver ArowanaSilver arowana
Classification: Osteoglossiformes/Osteoglossidae/Osteoglossinae
Size: Body lengthapproximately 1meters
Habitat: Rivers of South America
The silver arowana is a large arowana species that can grow to nearly 1 m long. Its appearance has changed little over roughly 50 million years, earning it the label “living fossil.” It has a laterally compressed body covered in large scales. The anal and dorsal fins are long, extending along about half the body, while the tail fin is small. Its mouth opens upward to catch prey at the water’s surface.
Interview with Supervisor Kazuyuki Mori
- The Ancient Fish series is a new category added to Favorite’s lineup. First of all, what kind of creatures are “ancient fish”?
- The term “ancient fish” can be interpreted in several ways, but simply put, it refers to modern fish that have survived to the present while retaining primitive characteristics. In this series, the coelacanth is the most ancient in evolutionary terms, while the silver arowana appeared relatively more recently.
- Ancient fish, sometimes called “living fossils,” have survived on Earth from ancient times to the present day. What characteristics, ecology, and appeal can be found in their prehistoric forms?
- The silver arowana inhabits the Amazon River and is familiar to many people because it is often seen in aquariums and tropical fish shops. Among the four ancient fish models developed for this series, it is relatively recent in evolutionary terms and has a more familiar fish-like shape than the other three. Look closely, however, and its ancient characteristics become apparent.
- You were responsible for sculpting and painting the prototypes. What concepts guided each model, and what details did you pay particular attention to during production?
- The model is based on a mature, impressive individual about 1 m long. Viewed from different angles, it should convey the sense of a fish swimming forward with purpose. As with the other three models in this series, the movement is worth paying attention to. On a personal note, I wanted to keep a silver arowana when I was in middle school but could not, so making this model felt like fulfilling an old wish.
- We asked fish researcher Toshiaki Igarashi to supervise the series. What kinds of discussions did you have with him?
- We carefully refined the models based on feedback about both the overall impression and the accuracy of details. Because the presence and volume of a three-dimensional object cannot be conveyed through images alone, we discussed proportions, overall appearance, and the state of the fish being depicted. We also reviewed fine details and measurements, including scales and fin rays.
- Finally, please share your comments on the Ancient Fish series.
- The central concept is to capture the fish alive and swimming. We hope the models evoke a vivid scene, as if a moment of movement had been frozen in time. Pick one up and you can appreciate the details of the fish, from the sculpted head to the scales, as well as its satisfying volume. It is enjoyable both to display and to handle.
Supervisor Profile
Kazuyuki Mori(Kazuyuki Mori)
Natural history model artist.
His work is based on the concept of a “private tropical world.”sculpting、working across both three-dimensional and two-dimensional media,、and has held numerous solo and group exhibitions.。
He was responsible for the sculpting and Supervision of the Aqua Fish Mini Models.