Pristidae
The Pristidae are a family of cartilaginous fish in the order Pristiformes, commonly known as sawfish. They are closely related to sharks and rays, and are characterized by their long, flattened rostrum, or snout, which is lined with teeth. This rostrum is used for foraging, defense, and sensory purposes. Sawfish inhabit tropical and subtropical waters around the world, with different species preferring different habitats, including estuaries, coastal waters, and deep-sea environments. They are known for their impressive size, with some species reaching up to 7 meters in length. However, their populations are declining due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and bycatch in fisheries.
Common Names
Sawfish are commonly known as "sawfish" or "sawsharks".
Characteristics
Pristidae have the following characteristics:
- A long, flattened rostrum lined with teeth
- Five gill slits
- Two dorsal fins
- A pair of pectoral fins
- A pelvic fin
- A caudal fin
- A spiracle on the dorsal surface of the head
- Ampullae of Lorenzini, which are sensory organs that detect electric fields
Environments
Sawfish inhabit a variety of habitats, including:
- Estuaries
- Coastal waters
- Deep-sea environments