A startled fish leapt from its tank and fell on the floor - as its owner ripped off his shirt to save his pet.

The Malaysian golden dragonfish, a rare variant of the Asian Arowana, was feeding in an aquarium with other fish when it jumped out of the water in Pathum Thani, Thailand, on March 13.

CCTV footage shows the dragonfish fighting to secure a bite of food that drifted to the bottom of the tank and quickly swam upwards.

The fish reached the edge of the tank and wiggled through the narrow space.

Fishkeeper Nattawat Kwangkhwang was busy putting food in the other tanks and only found out about the dragonfish when he heard it flapping against the floor.

Nattawat rushed to secure it with his hands, but it slipped off his grip, so he removed his top and used it to catch the fish.

The fishkeeper said: 'The fish were fighting over food, so it jumped away after taking a bite. He fell out of the tank. Let this be a lesson to him not to be too greedy.'

The dragonfish was safely returned to the tank and Nattawat checked on its condition throughout the night.

The Malaysian golden dragonfish is a rare and highly sought-after variant of the Asian Arowana. It is prized for its striking golden scales, elongated body, and resemblance to the mythical Chinese dragon.