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Arapaima
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==Morphology== [[File:Arapaima leptosoma 2009 G2.jpg|thumb|left|''[[Arapaima leptosoma]]'' shown at its full length]] Arapaima can reach lengths more than {{convert|2|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, in some exceptional cases even exceeding {{convert|2.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}} and over {{convert |100|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. The maximum recorded weight for the species is {{convert|200|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, while the longest recorded length verified was 3.07 m (10 ft 1 in). Anecdotal reports suggest that specimens as long as 4.57 m (15 ft 0 in) exist, but verification is deemed impossible, and thus considered questionable. As a result of overfishing, arapaima more than {{convert|2|m|ftin|abbr=on}} are seldom found in the wild.{{citation needed |date=May 2021}} The arapaima is [[torpedo]]-shaped, with large, blackish-green scales and red markings. It is streamlined and sleek, with its [[dorsal fin|dorsal]] and [[anal fin]]s set near its tail. Arapaima scales have a mineralised, hard, outer layer with a corrugated surface under which lie several layers of [[collagen]] fibres in a [[Bouligand Structure|Bouligand]]-type arrangement.<ref name="Sherman 2016">{{Cite journal |last=Sherman |first=Vincent R. |title=A comparative study of piscine defense: The scales of ''Arapaima gigas'', ''Latimeria chalumnae'' and ''Atractosteus spatula'' |journal=Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials |year=2016 |doi=10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.10.001 |pmid=27816416 |volume=73 |pages=1–16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Engineers Find Inspiration for New Materials in Piranha-proof Armor|url=http://www.jacobsschool.ucsd.edu/news/news_releases/release.sfe?id=1151|publisher=Jacobs School of Engineering, UC San Diego|access-date=8 February 2012}}</ref> In a structure similar to plywood, the fibres in each successive layer are oriented at large angles to those in the previous layer, increasing toughness. The hard, corrugated surface of the outer layer, and the tough internal collagen layers work synergistically to contribute to their ability to flex and deform while providing strength and protection—a solution that allows the fish to remain mobile while heavily armored.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sherman |first=Vincent R. |title=The materials science of collagen |journal=Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials |volume=52 |pages=22–50 |year=2015 |doi=10.1016/j.jmbbm.2015.05.023 |pmid=26144973|doi-access=free }}</ref> The arapaima has a fundamental dependence on surface air to breathe. In addition to gills, it has a modified and enlarged [[swim bladder]], composed of [[lung]]-like tissue, which enables it to extract oxygen from the air.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkive.org/arapaima/arapaima-gigas/#speciesFactFile|title=Arapaima videos, photos and facts - Arapaima gigas - ARKive|work=arkive.org|access-date=2012-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103105331/http://www.arkive.org/arapaima/arapaima-gigas/#speciesFactFile|archive-date=2012-11-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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