- Scincus scincus
Taxobox | name = Sandfish
image_width = 240px
regnum =Animalia
phylum =Chordata
classis =Reptilia
ordo =Squamata
familia =Scincidae
genus = "Scincus "
species = "S. scincus"
binomial = "Scincus scincus"
binomial_authority = (Linnaeus, 1758)The Sandfish ("Scincus scincus") is a species of
skink that burrows into the sand.Description
The name sandfish originated because of its ability to move through sand as if it were swimming.Adult sandfish usually reach about 8 inches (20.3 centimeters) in length, including the short tail. Scientists found out in 2000 that its skin has lower
coefficient of friction than polished steel, glass, or nylon, and are trying to find bionic applications for this.The sandfish has developed a peculiar way of dealing with the desert heat: it possesses the ability to dive into the (soft) sand. It does this to prevent overheating (as it is cold blooded) and whenever it feels threatened. A medium sized skink can achieve a total length of 7-8” 18-20cm.The species has a long, wedge-shaped snout with a countersunk lower jaw. Its long tapered body is covered with smooth shiny scales, and its legs are short and sturdy with long and flattened fringed feet. The tail is short tapering to a fine point. The colouration of this species is considered attractive, being yellow-caramel with brown-black cross bands. This type of lizard also has bead like eyes so they can close them to keep all the sand out of their eyes, it's the same thing with its nose its nostrils are very small to again keep all of the sand out of its nose and lungs.
Habitat
Northern Africa east into Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran. The animal is found in the Omani deserts.
Diet
The Sandfish is an insectivore, it can detects vibrations that insects moving in its vicinity create while moving.
Reproduction
Captivity
Sometimes seen in pet stores, the Sandfish is not extremely popular, but is not an obscure reptile.
References
* [http://www.bionik.tu-berlin.de/institut/s2skink.html Friction reduction in Sandfish] (in German)
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
