Arowana expandable skull

I've kept Arowana for more than10 years and i would like to share something I've accidentally discovered about the function of the A shape on the cheek of the Arowana.

The A sign on the cheeks functions.

Turns out the bone in front of the A symbol is actually an expandable plate to help the fish swallow large preys which otherwise they cannot fit into its head skull.

Notice the cheek plate now opens up to allow it to take large prey.

Close plate and open plate comparison

Interesting isn't it, I discovered this after 10 years of Arowana. Main reason I've never seen this was because 10 years ago a golden crossback like this would easily cost RM4000 a pc which is a fish you don't simply take risk. Fast forward 10 years later it only cost me RM400 for the same thing and this time keeping the fish is more enjoyable without the pressure and I can do more experiment with it.

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