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Lot
49218

GIANT SAWFISH ROSTRUM. ...

2012 May 20 Natural History & Fine Minerals Signature Auction- New York #6068

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Auction Ended On: May 20, 2012
Item Activity: 6 Internet/mail/phone bidders Number of Bidders
1,781 page views
Location: Center 548
548 W. 22nd St.
New York, NY 10011

Description:
GIANT SAWFISH ROSTRUM
Pristis sp.
Bay of Bengal

The most eye-catching feature of the Sawfish is its saw-like snout, called a rostrum. The rostrum acts like a metal detector as the fish scours the seabed in search of hidden food. It is covered with motion- and electro-sensitive pores that allow the fish to detect movement and even the heartbeat of potential prey buried in the ocean floor. Once the prey is located, the rostrum is then used as a digging tool to unearth buried crustaceans. At other times, when a tasty morsel swims by, the normally lethargic Sawfish will spring into action, and slash furiously with its saw. This generally stuns or injures the prey sufficiently for the Sawfish to devour it without much resistance. They have also been known to defend themselves with their rostrum against predators (like sharks) and intruding divers. The protruding "teeth" are not real teeth, but modified denticle scales. The Large Tooth Sawfish is the largest species of Sawfish and can reach lengths of over 23 feet and weigh over 5000 pounds. This is a fine example, with superb texture and an unusually large number of teeth (47). All are in excellent condition, with only slight wear to the top two. A fine natural specimen, it measures 39½ inches long and is mounted upright on an attractively bi-colored, hand-crafted ebony base.

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