Largetooth Sawfish debuts at S.E.A. Aquarium this Halloween

Largetooth Sawfish debuts at S.E.A. Aquarium this Halloween

SINGAPORE - Soon, visitors will be able to see the endangered Largetooth Sawfish when it makes its debut at Resorts World Sentosa's (RWS) S.E.A Aquarium this Oct.

RWS will be introducing the freshwater creature, most unique for its signature "saw" or rostrum with 14-23 teeth on each side, as part of the SEAA Wonders: Spooky Seas event.

Prior to this, those interested in sea creatures could only see the sawfish at the Reef HQ Aquarium in Queensland, Australia where it was living for the past 10 years.

The marine creature is exotic, not only for its looks, but the fact that it is critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) red list of threatened species, making the commercial demand of it even higher. It continues to face threats from commercial trade of skin, fins, meat and the saw-shaped rostrum that is perceived to have medicinal value.

Ms Mathilde Richer de Forges, Senior Conservation Manager at the S.E.A. Aquarium, said: "By introducing such rare marine species in our Aquarium that guests may not have seen before, we will be able to raise awareness and inspire our guests to do their part for marine conservation".

As part of its conservation efforts, aquarists will be sharing more about underwater creatures in topical sessions about venomous versus poisonous marine animals, and their self-defence mechanisms throughout the month of Oct.

For Halloween, the Aquarium will be decked out in Halloween-themed décor where S.E.A. Aquarium's divers would be seen in special skeletal diving suits under the sea.

Other highlights of the month include the Spooky Seas Adventure Trail, which takes place daily, and the themed Ocean Dreams sleepover programmes. There will also be Trick or Treat and Marine Characters' Meet & Greets during weekends.

The Ocean Dreams sleepover programme takes place on the weekends of Oct 18 and Oct 31 at 5pm to 11am the following day. Tickets are priced at $193 for adults and $173 for children and seniors.

For more information, visit www.rwsentosa.com/SEAAquarium/SEAAWonders

stephluo@sph.com.sg

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