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Largetooth sawfish

Largetooth sawfish

(Pristis microdon)

The largetooth sawfish is found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific from East Africa to New Guinea, the Philippines, Vietnam and Australia. It can also be found in the eastern Pacific and in the Atlantic. The largetooth sawfish inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms of shallow coastal waters, estuaries, river mouths, and, occasionally, freshwater rivers and lakes.

This sawfish preys on bottom-dwelling invertebrates and fish, as well as small schooling fish such as mullet or herring. It uses its saw or “rostrum” for digging in the sand or mud for prey, slashing schooling prey and as a defensive weapon.

You can find several the largetooth sawfish in the Ocean Voyager gallery.

Fun Facts

  • The largetooth sawfish can reach more than 21 feet in length and weigh about 1,450 pounds.
  • Although its body resembles that of a shark, this animal is actually a ray.
  • It is endangered in many areas because of the demand for the “saw” as a souvenir.
  • The rostrum may have 14 to 22 large teeth on either side. The teeth may be replaced if lost.
  • Some sawfish may spend their entire lives in freshwater.
  • Download full fact sheet

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