Sawfish are cartoonish looking fish that resemble a shark but with a saw for a nose also known as their rostrum.
The smalltooth sawfish are found in tropical and subtropical areas of the Atlantic Ocean including the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. They are mostly found in coastal marine and estuarine waters near mangroves. Individuals of the species have been found up to 18 feet long.
Their elongated rostrum has around 20-30 teeth on each side that are used for sensing, hunting, and defense. They are in the order Rajiformes which are flattened cartilaginous fishes related to sharks such as skates and rays.
Sawfish were hunted nearly to extinction in the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. They were captured for their unusual appearance and their saw-like rostrums were used as trophies.
Today they are listed as critically endangered as their range has greatly reduced in size. Scientists estimate that the smalltooth sawfish population in the United States now equals less than 5% of the historical population in this country.
Sawfish are often seen on boat rides through the Everglades National Park with Everglades Day Safari. The boat captains for the National Park Service make a point to ensure that observing the sawfish does not disturb foraging or mating behavior and that guests understand the importance of protecting this unusual and endangered species.
Thanks to Everglades Day Safari for contributing this article.
