Smalltooth sawfish are large, cartilaginous fish with a unique, elongated snout, called a rostrum, that's lined with sharp tooth-like rostra extensions. While they may look like a shark, they are actually one of the largest members of the Ray family, able to reach over 16 feet in length. They have an olive-gray to brownish-gray dorsal coloration, with a white or pale belly which helps them seamlessly blend into their benthic environment. Once a stray fish is within range, the smalltooth sawfish will use its saw-like rostrum to slash its prey for an easy meal.
Habitat:
Smalltooth sawfish are primarily found in warm, tropical and subtropical coastal waters from Florida to the Southern Caribbean.
They inhabit a range of habitats during their lifecycle, including mangrove estuaries, bays, rivers, and coastal shorelines.
They are often associated with mangroves, which serve as important nursery areas for their young.
Lifecycle:
Smalltooth sawfish have an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
They typically reach sexual maturity between 7 and 10 years of age.
Reproduction involves live birth, with females giving birth to litters of up to 10 pups, usually in estuarine areas where they will be protected from larger predators.
Fun Facts:
Look-Alikes: Although sawfish have shark-like bodies, they are actually a type of ray.
Ancient Relatives: Sawfish are among the most ancient of the world's fish, with ancestors dating back over 100 million years.
Elusive Creatures: Smalltooth sawfish are known for their elusive nature, making sightings in the wild a rare and exciting experience.
Report A Sighting:
Endangered Species - Smalltooth sawfish are listed as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss and fishing pressures.
Smalltooth sawfish sightings in Florida are crucial for conservation efforts and your contributions to their conservation by reporting sightings are invaluable.
If you encounter a Smalltooth sawfish in United States waters, please report the sighting to the U.S. Sawfish Recovery Team.
You can contact the U.S. Sawfish Recovery Team by calling 844-4-SAWFISH, emailing sawfish@myfwc.com, or completing the form at www.SawfishRecovery.org to provide details about the location and circumstances of your sighting.
