How does an arawana’s lower jaw and chin barbel help identify it?

The arawana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is distinguished by specific morphological features in its mouth region that aid in its identification. The lower jaw of the arawana is unique because it angles upward to a point positioned above the eyes. Additionally, the fish is characterized by two long, filamentous barbels that extend forward from its chin.1

While these features are specific to the arawana's appearance, barbels in fish generally serve as sensory organs; they are highly sensitive to touch and are equipped with numerous taste buds, which assist in the selection and location of food.2