How to Identify Largetooth Sawfish

To identify Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically grey to brownish-grey, ventral surface whitish. No distinct markings or patterns.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Long, flattened, blade-like rostrum (saw) comprising 22-29 pairs of large, evenly spaced teeth (denticles) along its edges., Two prominent dorsal fins, with the first dorsal fin originating anterior to the pelvic fins., Absence of an anal fin., Large, shark-like body with a flattened head and trunk., Pectoral fins are large and triangular.

Dorsal fin

Two distinct dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is significantly larger than the second and originates anterior to the pelvic fin origins. The second dorsal fin is smaller and positioned further back.

Tail fin

Heterocercal caudal fin, with the upper lobe slightly longer than the lower lobe, but not as pronounced as in many sharks.

Pectoral fin

Large, triangular, and well-developed, extending laterally from the body.

Distinctive fins

No anal fin. Pelvic fins are relatively small and located posterior to the first dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Rostrum (Saw)

   The most distinctive feature. Look for 22-29 pairs of large, uniform teeth (denticles) along the edges. The teeth are generally larger and more widely spaced than in other sawfish species, and they extend to the tip of the rostrum.

2. 2

   First Dorsal Fin Origin

   The origin of the first dorsal fin is positioned anterior to the origin of the pelvic fins. This is a key distinguishing feature from other sawfish species like the Green Sawfish (Pristis zijsron) where the first dorsal fin originates over or behind the pelvic fins.

3. 3

   Body Size

   Can grow to very large sizes, up to 6.5 meters (21 feet) in total length, making it one of the largest sawfish species.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Generally grey to brownish-grey dorsally and whitish ventrally, lacking any complex patterns or markings.

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