Rostrum (Saw):
* Sensory Organ: The saw is not just a weapon but a complex sensory organ. It's covered in electroreceptors that detect electrical signals emitted by prey buried in the sand.
* Hunting Tool: The saw is used to slash and stun prey, allowing the sawfish to easily consume them.
* Digging and Stirring: The saw can also be used to dig in the sand, stirring up prey and dislodging them from their hiding spots.
Other Adaptations:
* Gill Rakers: Sawfish have specialized gill rakers that filter out debris and small organisms from the water, ensuring they get a clean and efficient supply of oxygen.
* Flattened Body: Their flattened bodies allow them to move easily through shallow waters and maneuver among mangrove roots and other obstacles.
* Bottom-dwelling: Sawfish are well-adapted to life on the seabed, using their specialized rostrum and other adaptations to effectively hunt and thrive in their habitat.
Unique Behavior:
* Saltwater Tolerance: Sawfish can tolerate a wide range of salinity, allowing them to move between freshwater rivers and saltwater estuaries.
* Solitary Nature: While juveniles sometimes school, adult sawfish are largely solitary, spending their time hunting for prey.
Important Note: Despite their impressive adaptations, sawfish are critically endangered. The loss of their habitat, accidental fishing bycatch, and the use of their rostrum for traditional medicine are all contributing factors to their decline.