Fin's Fish Guide
The Common sawfish (Pristis pristis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Pristidae that grows up to 750 cm.
Description
The largetooth sawfish is a sawfish (Pristidae), a large, shark-like ray occurring worldwide in tropical coastal and fresh waters. The species can grow to over 6 metres and has a long, flat snout set with pairs of large, sharp teeth, with which it slashes through schools of fish and roots in the bottom for prey. It is euryhaline and ascends far up rivers, including into fresh water. Owing to overfishing and habitat loss it is critically endangered. Although not aggressive, the toothed saw can cause serious injuries when the animal is disturbed or handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common sawfish?
The Common sawfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Long toothed saw-snout for slashing fish; euryhaline, moves up rivers; critically endangered.
Where does the Common sawfish live?
The Common sawfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Worldwide in tropical coastal and fresh waters; euryhaline.
How big does the Common sawfish get?
The Common sawfish grows to a maximum of about 750 cm. On average the species is around 250 cm.
Is the Common sawfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Common sawfish is harmless to humans. The long, sharp-toothed saw-shaped snout can cause serious cuts and stab wounds when the animal is disturbed or handled; keep your distance and never handle a caught animal without experience. Stop severe bleeding and seek medical help.
Is the Common sawfish edible?
The Common sawfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common sawfish and live in the same waters.
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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
Want the complete picture on the Common sawfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common sawfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.