Scincus scincus
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| Scincus scincus (Linnaeus, 1758) |
The Sandfish (Scincus scincus) is a species of skink that burrows into the sand. It has stripes on its back. This is rarely seen in pet stores. It is called a sandfish because if its ability to move through sand very fast, as if it were swimming.
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 unique way of dealing with the desert heat it possesses the ability to dive into the (soft) sand. It does this to prevent over heating (cold blooded) and whenever it feels threatened. It is an insectivore and can feel the vibrations that insects overhead create.
[edit] References
- Friction reduction in Sandfish (in German)
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