Sawfish are unique among fish in that they have an elongated, flattened rostrum or snout that is lined with sharp, tooth-like projections on either side. This saw-like snout is used for a variety of purposes, including digging for food, detecting prey, and defending themselves from predators. Sawfish also use their saws to find and capture prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The sawfish’s saw also serves as a form of protection from predators, as the sharp points act as a deterrent. Sawfish also use their saws to navigate in murky waters, as they can sense changes in water pressure and the electrical signals emitted by their prey.
Why is a sawfish not a shark?
Sawfish are not sharks because they belong to the ray family (Elasmobranchii) rather than the shark family (Selachimorpha). While both are cartilaginous fish, sawfish have long, flattened snouts that are equipped with saw-like teeth, while sharks have a more traditional fish shape and sharp, triangular teeth. Additionally, sawfish have gills on the underside of their bodies, while sharks have gills on the sides of their bodies. Finally, sawfish have very different reproductive habits than sharks, with sawfish giving live birth to their young rather than laying eggs.
How do sawfish work?
Sawfish use specialized pores on their saws as both tracking and weapon systems. The pores contain electroreceptors that can detect the electrical signals emitted by other fish, allowing the sawfish to locate their prey. Once the prey is located, the sawfish will quickly swipe its saw back and forth to stun or injure the fish. This is an effective hunting technique that sawfish use to hunt for small fish and crustaceans in their natural habitat.
Do sharks eat sawfish?
Sharks are known to prey on sawfish, particularly juvenile sawfish. The larger species of sharks, like the bull shark, can be a major threat to sawfish. However, sawfish do have some natural defenses against predators, such as their long saws which they can use to ward off predators. Additionally, they can use their rostrum to detect electric fields generated by their prey, allowing them to accurately locate and catch fish.
Are sawfish harmful?
Sawfish are not generally considered dangerous, but their saws (or rostrums), constituting as much as one-third their total length, can be formidable. They are not known to attack humans, and they tend to stay away from areas where humans would swim, but they can be hazardous if handled improperly. It is illegal to catch or harm an endangered sawfish under the Endangered Species Act, and it is recommended to follow sawfish safe handling and release guidelines if you come across one.