Sawfish Capture Bag

Aka the ‘Pristi Pouch’ – An innovative solution for the capture and examination of Sawfish.

About our Sawfish Capture Bag

The husbandry of sawfish represents various challenges to the aquarist, not least the fact that can grow to a very large size (4m+), possess a sword-like, tooth-lined rostrum that can be wielded with the consummate ease of a medieval knight and are invariably resident in large enclosures!

This product has been carefully developed to assist with the task of safely capturing and moving a sawfish, but also the tasks examining and administering veterinary care.

The safety of both aquarists and the animal is paramount during these close contact events and we have implementing numerous features to help ensure that tasks can be completed with minimal stress and hassle.

1-2-1 products and devices should only be used by trained professionals.

Dimensions

Length: 400cm
Width (Front): 160cm
Rostrum area: 120cm

Sawfish Capture Bag Features

To Assist with capture and moving

A tailored shape which helps guide the sawfish and limits movement when the sawfish is in the bag.
Trim weight pockets on the underside for countering movement or pushing of the bag along the enclosure floor and as ballast for any attached trim floats.
Trim float webbing loops allows the attachment of multiple, small floats along the topside of the bag to assist in keeping the bag open, freeing up divers for monitoring and guiding the sawfish into the bag.
An access strip along the top of the bag with handle, through which a diver can place a feeding pole with attached food at the bag entrance and help lure into the bag.
A fast-close drawstring allows easy manipulation and closure of the bag once the capture is complete.
Handles in various places which ensures there is handle control wherever it is needed.
Reinforced seams and extra thick Velcro for securing access points.
Offset drainage holes in the top and bottom of the bag reduces the potential for the rostrum to get caught during the capture.

To assist with examination / veterinary care

Left and right gill area access slots, secured with 50mm wide Velcro allow the application of sedatives or anaesthesia directly area the area it can be quickly taken up by respiration.
The top side access strip (also secured with 50mm wide Velcro) can expose the appropriate flank area for the administration of intramuscular injections.
An underside access strip with handle secured with Velcro is positioned to allow unrestricted access to the ventral area for caudal vein blood sampling.
The Pristi Pouch has been designed and developed to prioritise animal and diver welfare and ideally would also be used in conjunction with positive reinforcement behavioural training and managed habituation with the equipment in situ.

** IMPORTANT WARNING! **
The Sawfish Capture Bag is NOT intended to carry a sawfish in it! It is intended to catch the sawfish and treat it whilst in the water – OR to transfer it into a suitable carrier.

Sawfish Capture Bag Video

Thanks to Nicholas Hirel of Planet Ocean Montpellier for sharing these photos and video.

Sawfish Capture Bag Gallery

Enquire

If you have any questions about our Sawfish Capture Bag or would like to discuss your specific requirements, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Tel: +44 (0) 7720 295 275