Fin's Fish Guide
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.
Tropical Atlantic Ocean on both sides, in shallow coastal water, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers; juveniles far into fresh water.
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. Giant, shark-like ray with a long, flat snout set with pairs of teeth (the 'saw'); travels far up rivers and tolerates fresh water.
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. Tropical Atlantic Ocean on both sides, in shallow coastal water, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers; juveniles far into fresh water.
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. The long, tooth-studded saw-snout can inflict deep cuts when it lashes; keep well clear of a caught or stranded sawfish and let only experts handle it.
Is the Largetooth sawfish edible?
The Largetooth sawfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Largetooth sawfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Largetooth sawfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.