| type | Status | Habitat |
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FISHES |
THREATENDED |
ALL CONTINENTS |
 Sawfish are found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. Historically they ranged in the East Atlantic from Morocco to South Africa, and in the West Atlantic from New York (United States) to Uruguay, including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. |
 These fish are carnivores that will eat any fish or crustacean that they can catch. Most of them feed on mollusks, crabs, and other small fish that swim along the coastal floor. |
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As far as fish go, these creatures are incredibly unique. Their bodies are somewhat shark-shaped, but their pectoral, or front fins, have a flat, triangular shape to them. By far, their greatest distinguishing characteristic is their extensive "saw" or rostrum.
Though quite large, each species is slightly different in average size. The smallest species grows to a length of about 10 ft. long. Some of the largest recorded individuals reach lengths of 18 - 20 ft. long!
Though several different species exist, these creatures generally occupy the same types of habitats. They prefer living in shallow waters close to the coast. Their usual hunting grounds include waters less than 30 ft. deep. Most prefer living in saltwater ecosystems, but some do range into brackish and freshwater occasionally.
Humans have single-handedly decimated the populations of every species of Sawfish. Several different factors have gone into the demise of these creatures. People capture to use their fins in shark fin soup, and to sell their saws as decorations. People also accidentally capture them in nets meant for other fish, or as bycatch. Habitat destruction and climate change both impact these creatures as well. Humans destroy the estuaries and mangroves that these creatures use to hunt for food and their young use to hide from predators.