Largetooth sawfish
A critically endangered ray with a toothed rostrum that enters rivers.
The largetooth sawfish is a large marine ray that ventures far into freshwater systems. Once widespread across tropical coasts, it faces critical endangerment due to overfishing and habitat loss. Its distinctive saw-like snout makes it vulnerable to net entanglement.
- Confirmed maximum length reaches 7 metres.
- Can jump up to 5 metres out of water.
- Enters freshwater rivers far inland.
- Listed as critically endangered globally.
- Protected under CITES Appendix I since 2007.
What it is
This species is a large ray distinguished by its long, toothed rostrum. The snout width is relatively broad compared to other sawfish. Adults display grey to yellowish-brown upper parts, often with yellow-tinged fins. Freshwater individuals may appear reddish due to blood suffusion under the skin. The dorsal fin sits forward of the pelvic fins, a key identification feature. Pectoral fins are long with angular tips, and a small lower tail lobe is present.
Where it lives
Historically, this fish inhabited tropical coasts globally, covering millions of square kilometres. It entered rivers far inland, recorded up to 1,340 km from the sea. Populations existed in the Atlantic, Indo-Pacific, and East Pacific. Today, it has vanished from many former habitats. Significant remaining groups exist in northern Australia, the Amazon estuary, and Central America. It prefers warm waters between 24 and 32 degrees Celsius.
How it lives
Adults hunt in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, feeding on fish and crustaceans. They use their saw to stir sediment or slash at prey schools. Young spend early years in freshwater rivers before moving to brackish zones. The species is docile but can injure handlers with its rostrum when caught. Captive individuals show agility, including swimming backwards and jumping high out of water.
Breeding and life cycle
Females reach maturity at roughly three metres length. Breeding occurs seasonally, with gestation lasting about five months. Litters contain one to thirteen pups, averaging seven. Newborns measure up to 90 cm and likely enter freshwater systems for protection. Mothers may return to their birth regions to give birth. The species reproduces every one to two years.
Fish and people
Fishers value the meat, fins, and ornamental saw. Fins supply shark fin soup, while saws serve as novelty items or cultural artifacts. In Nigeria, local communities use saws in masquerades. The species appears in public aquariums, often mislabelled under older scientific names. Conservation laws protect it in several nations, though enforcement remains inconsistent.
Status and threats
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists this species as critically endangered. Overfishing and net entanglement drive population declines. Habitat loss further threatens survival. It has disappeared from 28 of 75 historically recorded countries. International trade is restricted under CITES Appendix I. Protected areas exist in Australia and the United States, but populations remain fragile.
Questions people ask about Largetooth sawfish
How large does the largetooth sawfish grow?
The largest confirmed specimen measured 7 metres. Most adults today are smaller, typically ranging between 2 and 2.5 metres. Large individuals can weigh over 500 kilograms.
Is the largetooth sawfish dangerous to humans?
These animals are generally docile and harmless. However, they can inflict serious injuries if captured and threatened, using their toothed rostrum for defence.
Why is this species critically endangered?
Overfishing is the primary threat, driven by demand for fins and saws. Their rostrum easily entangles in nets. Habitat loss and historical population crashes have also reduced numbers drastically.
Does this fish live in freshwater?
Yes, it frequently enters rivers and lakes. Young individuals often spend their first few years in freshwater. Some populations, like those in Lake Nicaragua, reside largely in fresh water.
Good reading and sources
- Largetooth sawfish on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Largetooth sawfish", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
Like Largetooth sawfish
All rays and skates
🇦🇺 Australia and 4 moreLongcomb sawfish
A critically endangered sawfish with a toothed rostrum.Ray · Coasts and shelves
WorldSawfish
Large rays with a toothed rostrum found in tropical coastal waters.Ray · Coasts and shelves
🇺🇸 United States and 4 moreSmalltooth sawfish
Critically endangered Atlantic sawfish with a toothed rostrum.Ray · Coasts and shelves
🇦🇺 AustraliaDwarf sawfish
Smallest sawfish species, native to tropical Australia and New Guinea.Ray · Estuaries and mangroves
