|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Sandfish
[ A Sandfish ] Despite its name, the sandfish is actually a skink from the Arabian desert. It travels through the sand by moving its body from side to side, just like a fish swimming in water. That is probably how it got its name. By travelling under the sand, the sandfish can escape the hot desert heat and hide from predators like birds and snakes. The red orange colour of its body looks just like the sand and provides camouflage for it. HOW DOES THE SANDFISH TRAVEL QUICKLY IN THE SAND? The sandfish has a long and pointed nose. This is to help it push away the sand when it is travelling underground. The scales on the sandfish's body lie flat and fit closely together. This makes a smooth surface and the body can slide faster in the sand. Its pointed tail is also a good shape for sliding in the sand. The sandfish is mainly active in the morning and evening. It rests in the afternoon when it is too hot to go out. At night it sleeps in a burrow. In the cold months, probably in winter, it hibernates in the sand and lives off the fat stored in its tail. Life cycle: Sandfish lay 2 eggs at a time. These hatch 2 months later. Sandfish take about 2 years to become mature. What a lot of '2's! DID YOU KNOW? Like the lizards at home, the sandfish's tail can break of when it is caught by a predator. A new tail will grow out again but it cannot break off as easily. The sandfish can also move quickly on the surface. It has fringed toes on its feet to help it walk on loose sand without sinking. |
