Arapaima Armor: The Evolutionary Wonder of Pirarucu Scales (And How You Can Wear It)
Every fish in the Amazon has evolved its own defenses—teeth, fins, or other tricks—to survive in a jungle full of predators. The arapaima (also called pirarucu or paiche), the largest scaled freshwater fish in the world, goes even further: its enormous, leathery scales act as armor against foes like the small but ferocious piranha.
Here are some great articles and scientific papers that’ll explain their superpower in accessible terms:
Arapaima Fish Scale: One of the Toughest Flexible Biological Materials
Armoured scales that protect huge Amazonian fish from piranhas reveal their secrets
Of fish scales and adaptable armor – the things that X-rays can tell you
In fact, humans have adapted this evolutionary advantage as inspiration for our own inventions:
Piranha-Proof Fish Scales Offer Inspiration for Better Armor
Scientists study scales that protect small Amazonian fish from piranhas
These remarkable scales aren’t just a marvel of evolution—they’ve inspired jewelry, décor, and even apparel, letting adventurers carry a piece of the Amazon with them. Here’s a small selection of those items which are both stylish and remarkably durable:
Arapaima scales also seem to be increasingly popular among western bootmakers, as you can see from the gallery below:
And it’s not made out of actual scales, but I love this big fly reel from Abel:
Are You Tougher Than an Arapaima?
Clothing, jewelry, and trinkets made from arapaima scales give you a glimpse of what makes this giant fish the king of the Amazon waters—but nothing compares to feeling their raw, prehistoric power on the end of a rod and reel. Join us in Bolivia to witness these river giants up close, test your strength against one, and create an adventure you’ll remember long after the soreness fades.
