BILLY-KEN
While keeping tropical betta fish, I naturally became interested in aquarium shops and various tank supplies. On this day, I happened to be in the Tsuruhashi area for an appointment and came across this shop by chance. The words “large fish” and “ancient fish” alone were enough to make my heart race and raise my expectations.
At first, it can be a little confusing to find the entrance, but the spot shown in the photos is the actual entrance. Once inside, the temperature is kept quite warm, as you would expect from an aquarium shop, so it may feel a bit hot even in winter. There was no active interaction from the staff, but that actually made it more comfortable to look around freely without feeling rushed.
Store Information
●Location
〒537-0024 大阪府大阪市東成区東小橋３丁目１−５
(3-1-5 Higashiobase, Higashinari-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 537-0024)
About a 5-minute walk from Tsuruhashi Station.
●Phone
+81 6-6975-7333
●Business Hours
13:00–19:00
●Notes
Business hours and closing days vary by month, so please check the official website before visiting.
There are several parking lots nearby, but parking spaces are limited, so it is recommended to allow extra time for your visit.
Overview of the Large Display Tanks
BILLY-KEN, a specialty shop for large and ancient fish in Osaka, immediately catches the eye with its impressively massive display tanks as soon as you step inside.
Inside, a variety of large fish rarely seen in ordinary aquarium shops—such as arowana-type fishes, redtail catfish varieties, Oscar cichlid types, Datnioides species, and mahseer-type fishes—are housed together in a single tank, slowly circling as if observing the visitor with quiet curiosity.
Arowana Species
Arowanas can now be found at some aquarium shops, making them relatively well-known among large fish species. They are large tropical fish characterized by their long, streamlined bodies and distinctive swimming style just beneath the water’s surface, while their upward-facing strong jaws and two barbels further enhance their commanding presence.
As they grow to a considerable size as adults, ample tank space and stable water quality management are essential, and solitary housing is often recommended. While their striking appearance and strong presence give them high ornamental value, they are also regarded as a species that requires a high level of commitment and responsibility in keeping.
Arowanas grow relatively quickly, but their growth tends to stabilize after reaching adulthood, and although lifespan varies depending on the environment, they are generally known to live for an average of 15 to 20 years or more.
Channa Species
Channa species, also known as snakeheads, are carnivorous tropical fish characterized by their elongated bodies and powerful jaws. While their size and temperament vary by species, they generally grow large and have strong territorial tendencies, requiring careful consideration of tank conditions and tank mates. Their distinctive appearance and primitive atmosphere have earned them steady popularity among large fish enthusiasts.
Channa species tend to show significant variation in lifespan depending on environmental stress, with the management of aggression and territorial behavior having a direct impact on longevity. Overall, their average lifespan is generally reported to be around 10 to 15 years.
Neoceratodus forsteri
Neoceratodus is an Australian lungfish and one of the most representative ancient fish species, belonging to an extremely old evolutionary lineage still alive today. It can breathe using both lungs and gills, and its slow movements and calm temperament highlight its unique biological characteristics.
Although individual conditions may vary, it is known to have an average lifespan of several decades, making it a species that requires ample space and long-term commitment in captivity.
The Neoceratodus shown in the photos I took was priced at 220,000 yen, including tax.
Platinum Endlicheri
Endlicheri belongs to the genus Polypterus and is an ancient fish species known for its thick body and powerful presence, highlighted by its primitive appearance. While lifespan varies depending on the environment, it is generally known to live for 10 to 15 years or more, and its ancient atmosphere, relatively simple feeding habits, and individual variation in coloration and patterns make it very popular among large fish and ancient fish enthusiasts.
Among them, the platinum variant is considered especially special because it is a genetic color mutation distinct from albinism, in which melanin pigmentation is barely expressed. This mutation is extremely rare, occurring in only a very small fraction of individuals and being nearly impossible to reproduce intentionally. Platinum Endlicheri are also known for maintaining their coloration and patterns even into adulthood, and combined with the fact that Endlicheri itself is not easy to breed, their rarity and value are regarded as particularly high.
The Platinum Endlicheri shown in the photos I took was priced at around 200,000 yen, including tax.
Albino Specimens
At Billy-Ken, a specialty aquarium shop focusing on large and ancient fish, not only standard specimens but also specimens that appeared to be albino were on display for various species. Albino fish are genetic variants with a congenital lack of melanin pigment, characterized by white or pale yellow body coloration and red or light pink eyes.
Their pure white appearance gives a completely different impression from regular specimens, creating a sense of uniqueness and an almost mysterious atmosphere.
Large Fish of Osaka
As someone who loves the sea, I find that even the names “large fish” and “ancient fish” alone make my heart race and evoke a sense of mystery. The large and ancient fish I happened to encounter at Billy-Ken in Tsuruhashi, Osaka were more than enough to leave a strong impression, overwhelming in size and captivating with their distinctive appearances.
Keeping large or ancient fish is generally not an easy endeavor, but seeing such a wide variety of fish here made me feel that I might want to try it myself someday.
From small to medium-sized species to unique specimens such as platinum and albino variants, there was plenty to enjoy just by looking around, and with custom-made large tanks and a full range of aquarium supplies also available, this shop felt like a worthwhile destination for anyone in Osaka considering large or ancient fish.
■BILLY-KEN
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