The Largetooth sawfish (Pristis perotteti) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Pristidae that grows up to 650 cm.
Description
The largetooth sawfish is a giant, shark-like ray of the family Pristidae (sawfishes) reaching about 6.5 metres (now usually treated as a synonym of Pristis pristis). Its most striking feature is the long, flat snout studded on both sides with pairs of large teeth, like a double-edged saw; with it the ray slashes through fish schools and roots prey from the bottom. The body is shark-like with two dorsal fins. The species lives in shallow coastal water, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers on both sides of the tropical Atlantic and, as a juvenile, runs far into fresh water. Through heavy fishing and habitat loss it has collapsed worldwide and is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Largetooth sawfish?
The Largetooth sawfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Largetooth sawfish live?
The Largetooth sawfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Largetooth sawfish get?
The Largetooth sawfish grows to a maximum of about 650 cm.
Is the Largetooth sawfish dangerous to humans?
The Largetooth sawfish can cause injury; handle it with care.
Is the Largetooth sawfish edible?
The Largetooth sawfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pristis
More from the family Pristidae
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