Sawfishes [Pristidae]
Description
Pristidae is the sole family within the order Pristiformes, commonly known as sawfishes. These are a group of rays characterized by their long, narrow, flattened rostrums edged with transverse teeth, resembling a saw. This unique rostrum is used for both defense and hunting, allowing sawfishes to detect and incapacitate prey. Sawfishes are found in shallow coastal waters in tropical and subtropical regions, often frequenting estuaries and freshwater systems. They are among the largest rays, with some species reaching lengths of up to 7 meters (23 feet). Sawfishes are ovoviviparous, meaning their eggs develop inside the female's body, with young being born fully formed. Despite their formidable appearance, sawfishes are facing significant threats from habitat loss, pollution, and fishing pressures, leading to a dramatic decline in their populations worldwide. They are considered critically endangered, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these distinctive marine creatures and their habitats.