4/4/2023 0 Comments Anatomy of the arapaima gigas![]() ![]() The micro-indentation hardness of the external layer (550 MPa) is considerably higher than that of the internal layer (200 MPa), consistent with its higher degree of mineralization. EDS results confirm that the percentage of calcium is higher in the external layer. X-ray diffraction revealed that the external surface of the scale contains calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite. The alignment of collagen fibers is consistent in each individual layer but varies from layer to layer, forming a non-orthogonal plywood structure, known as Bouligand stacking. They have a laminate composite structure composed of an external mineralized layer and internal lamellae with thickness of 50-60 μm each and composed of collagen fibers with ~1 μm diameter. ![]() The Arapaima gigas scales play an important role in protecting this large Amazon basin fish against predators such as the piranha. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |