AnimalID

Name

5510

Sawfish

LocationName:

Origin:

PurchaseCost:

RequiresResearch:

IsClimber:

IsJumper:

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Description:

The Common sawfish (Pristis pristis) is a subspecies of the ray family. They are sometimes known as sharks with swords. Because sawfish are difficult to capture, observe, or keep in captivity, they are still somewhat of a mystery in the fish world.

Like its cousin the shark, the sawfish has a cartilaginous skeleton and a tall dorsal fin, and its skin is covered with fine scales called denticles. Like other rays, the sawfish has a flat body with a dark back and a white belly. These colors camouflage the sawfish against observers above and below. Sawfish can grow up to 23 feet long and weigh up to a ton.

The most noticeable feature of the sawfish is its saw - a flat, protruding snout, lined on both sides with sharp scales. The saw makes up about 25% of the sawfish's overall body length. Each saw has 12-30 thirty pairs of scales that make up the "teeth" of the saw. The saw teeth continue to grow throughout the animal's life, and can even regenerate if broken off.

Another interesting feature of the sawfish are the spiracles located behind its eyes. These organs look like ears, but are actually used to inhale water. The water is then exhaled through gills on the sawfish's belly. Because its eyes and spiracles are located on the top of its body, the sawfish can see and breathe even when partially buried in the mud.

The sawfish feeds on small fish, crabs, shrimp, and other small invertebrates found on the sea or river floor. The sawfish uses its distinctive snout to detect, reveal, and attack its prey. The saw is electro-receptive and motion-sensitive, picking up the heartbeats of buried invertebrates and the motions of passing fish. If the prey is buried, the saw can be used as a rake, flushing the prey out into the open. When the sawfish attacks a school of fish, the saw is used as a weapon, slashing from side to side. The sawfish can then consume the injured fish at its leisure, crushing them in its mouth before swallowing them whole.

Unlike most other fish, sawfish can travel between fresh and salt water at will. In fact, females must travel to fresh water to give birth to their young. Sawfish are found along the coasts, estuaries, bays, rivers, and creeks of tropical & sub-tropical waters all over the world. Despite their ability to survive in so many habitats, sawfish are rare today. The saw is sought-after as a souvenir and for its supposed medicinal qualities. But sawfish are more often killed accidentally, entangled in nets meant for other fish and seafood. Once the toothy saw is entangled in the net, escape is nearly impossible.

Attractiveness Adult:

Attractiveness Young:

Initial Happiness:

Habitat Preference:

Captivity:

Crowd:

CrowdHappiness Change:

ClimbsCliffs:

General Information

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The Life Cycle

Who do they like to live with and eat?

To build a good animal exhibit you need to ask a few questions: (click them for the answers)

Which tank wall is suitable for this animal?     Remember that all tanks need a tank filter!

How big should the exhibit be and what Depth should the tank be?

What foliage should be used?

What rocks should be used?

What shelter does the animal need?

What toy does the animal like?

Does this animal perform in a show?

No

TankWallName

Purchase Cost

See Through

Height

Strength

Life

Cost Effective

Concrete Edge and Glass

$125

Yes

3

500

13

10.4

Atlantean Tank Wall

$125

Yes

3

500

13

10.4

Solid Concrete

$125

No

3

500

13

10.4

Black Bar and Glass

$130

Yes

3

500

13

10.0

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The Life Cycle

Who do they like to live with and eat?

Animal Density

Min

Number of Animals/Exhibit

Max

20

1

5

Terrain Name

Value

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Rocks

Foliage

Exhibit Size

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ID

Value

TreeName

Foliage Effect

Cost/ Square

Cost Effective

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Who do they like to live with and eat?

ID

Value

RockName

Size X

Size Y

Rock

Rock Effect

Purchase Cost

Cost Effective

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Who do they like to live with and eat?

Shelter ID

Shelter Name

Shelter Value

Shelter Effect

Purchase Cost

Capacity

none

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ToyID

ToyName

ToyValue

PurchaseCost

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ReproductionChance:

SickChance:

5

ReproductionInterval(months):

SickChange:

-12

HappyReproduceThreshold:

DeathChance:

10

Offspring:

TimeDeath(months):

36

BabyToAdult(months):

SkipTrickHappiness:

SkipTrickChance:

SalinityChange:

SalinityHealthChange:

PooWaterImpact:

MurkyWaterThreshold:

MurkyWaterChange:

MurkyWaterHealthChange:

VeryMurkyWaterThreshold:

ExtremelyMurkyWaterThreshold

VeryMurkyWaterChange:

ExtremelyMurkyWaterChange

VeryMurkyWaterHealthChange:

ExtremelyMurkyWaterHealthChange:

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Compatible Animals

Prey Animals

KeeperFoodType:

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Who do they like to live with and eat?