Pristis microdon

(Latham, 1794)

Vernacular names
English : Largetooth sawfish
French : Poisson-scie à grandes dents

Classification
Class : Elasmobranchii
Order : Rhinopristiformes
Family : Pristidae
Notes : Sometimes considered to be a synonym of P. pristis

Identification
Huge species, reaching up to 7 meters in length, most often around 5 meters. Body is flattened with very long and broad snout. Large teeth or same length implanted on each side of snout at equal distance. Coloration dark grey, yellow belly.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, from East Africa to New Guinea, north to Vietnam and Philippines, south to north Australia. Also in Atlantic Ocean. Lives in freshwater rivers, estuaries and shallow muddy and sandy bottoms.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (as P. pristis)
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is highly prized as a trophy. It is often captured in fishing nets and vulnerable to overexploitation. Extinct in many parts or its range.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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