Sawshark
| Sawshark |
|---|
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| Scientific Classification |
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| Genera |
 |
| Pristiophoriformes |
Sawsharks are the species of sharks belonging to the taxonomic family Pristiophoridae. They are best known for their saw-like denticles (a small tooth or toothlike part, such as any of the placoid scales of sharks). There are 8 different species. They can be found in Japan, Australia and South Africa. One interesting fact is that sometimes people kill them because their meat is delicious and for their saws. However, they are not considered a dangerous animal.
Body Design
The sawshark has a long snout edged with serrate teath that are interspersed between larger and smaller denticles. There are long barbels in the middle of snout that they use as a sensory organ when they find prey or eat. In addition, Sawsharks have two dorsal fins on dorsal part in their body. However, they lack an anal fin. Sawsharks can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh up to 18.7 pounds. Females are a little bigger than males. Their bodies are covered with placoid scales(platelike or flattened). Sawsharks have spots, the dark blothches on their skin color is yellowish-brown. Also their skin color helps them camouflage. Therefore, they can easily hide in the sand floor.[3]
Life Cycle
This animal is ovoviviparous. This means, the female Sawshark produces eggs that hatch within the body of the mother after 12 months. Sawsharks breed in coastal areas and have a breeding season every two years. Females can bear about 3 to 22 babies. They usually give birth to about 10 babies. When a baby Sawshark is born, it folds its serrated denticles to avoid getting hurt when it comes out from the mother's body. Baby Sawsharks are well developed and have all their features at birth. They appearance similar to adult and only difference is size. Adult Sawsharks take care of baby Saw Sharks until they are able to reproduce. In that time, baby Sawsharks can survive on their own. They can live for 10~15 years in natural environment.[3]
Ecology
Saw Shark do not generally swim in the ocean like other sharks.[4] They mostly live on the bottom of the ocean floor and seek out prey with barbels that serve as sensory receptors. Also, they use their saws to quickly cut and consume prey. This can help them to eat more easily. The Sawshark is a carnivore. They feed on fish,squid,and crustaceans. Their the biggest predator is humans because people say that meat delicious. We can find them in Japan,Austraila,and South Africa[3]
Video
Video showing one species of Sawshark,the Longnose Sawshark.
References
- ↑ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. Order Summary for Pristiophoriformes Fishbase. Web. January 2009 version.
- ↑ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. Family Pristiophoridae - Saw sharks Fishbase. Web. October 2013 version.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Gregory R. Mann, Ph.D. Saw Shark Ocean Treasures. Web.
- ↑ 사마귀. 신기한 상어 사마귀의 사냥터. Web. Last-update 2013/01/29.
