A sawfish typically swims at a speed of 0.98 miles per hour (mp/h). However, when it is threatened or startled, it can swim at speeds of up to 3 mph (4.8 km/h).
Can a sawfish hurt you?
Sawfish are not known to intentionally attack humans, and they tend to stay away from areas where humans would swim, such as beaches and shallow waters. However, they are large and powerful fish that have sharp saw-like snouts, so it is possible for them to cause injury if they feel threatened or if they are accidentally caught by a fisherman. It is important to exercise caution and respect when around sawfish, and to never attempt to touch or handle them.
Why are sawfish so rare?
Sawfish are becoming increasingly rare due to a variety of factors. These include overfishing, habitat destruction, entanglement in fishing gear, and pollution. Additionally, some species of sawfish are slow to mature, have long gestation periods, and have low reproductive rates, making them particularly vulnerable to population declines.
Can you touch sawfish?
It is illegal to touch or handle sawfish in any way due to their endangered status. Under the Endangered Species Act, it is illegal to target, harm, harass, or handle them in any way. You should always Respect, Release, and Report if you happen to catch a sawfish while fishing.
Are sawfish really sharks?
No, sawfish are not actually sharks. They are part of the Rajiformes order, which is a group of flattened marine fish that includes rays and skates, and are closely related to sharks. Sawfish have a shark-like form and manner of swimming, but have a more flattened body, and gill slits on the bottom of their bodies, like stingrays. They also have a long, narrow, flattened rostrum lined with sharp teeth, which is what gives them their name.