| Identification
& Biology: |
Smalltooth
sawfish have 48 or more teeth on the saw and the dorsal fin
is located directly above the pelvic fins. The only species
with which it may be confused is the largetooth sawfish. The
saw is used primarily to stir the bottom in a backward and
forward motion in search of the small animals that it eats.
It has also been seen attacking schools of small fish by slashing
sideways with the saw. When sawfish were more common they
were often caught by fishermen using fresh cut bait, which
they readily accept. Sawfish bear living young which are approximately
two feet long. At birth, the saw has an "sheath"
on it. |
