№ 89 of 100
Smalltooth Sawfish
Pristis pectinata
A shark-like ray wielding a metre-long toothed blade — their saw, once a curio nailed to dockside bars, made them fatally easy to catch in nets.
- Range
- United StatesBahamas
- Region
- North America
- Habitat
- Shallow coastal waters and mangrove estuaries; last strongholds in Florida and the Bahamas
The story
Sawfish use their saws to sense and slash schooling fish, but the same organ entangles hopelessly in fishing nets. The US population fell by more than 95% before protection; Florida's mangrove nurseries are now the species' heartland, shaken in 2024 by a mysterious die-off scientists are still investigating.
What's killing them
- Net entanglement — the saw snags every fibre
- Mangrove and estuary loss
- Unexplained 2024 mortality event in Florida
- Slow reproduction
Who's fighting for them
NOAA FisheriesNOAA Fisheries — Protected Resources
IUCN Red ListInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission
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Quick answers
How many Smalltooth Sawfishs are left in the world?
Approximately Unknown — declined >95%. The Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is declining. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Smalltooth Sawfish live?
The Smalltooth Sawfish is found in United States, Bahamas (North America). Their habitat: Shallow coastal waters and mangrove estuaries; last strongholds in Florida and the Bahamas.
Why is the Smalltooth Sawfish endangered?
The main threats to the Smalltooth Sawfish are: Net entanglement — the saw snags every fibre; Mangrove and estuary loss; Unexplained 2024 mortality event in Florida; Slow reproduction.
Who is working to save the Smalltooth Sawfish?
Organisations working on Smalltooth Sawfish conservation include NOAA Fisheries — Protected Resources; International Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission.