Sawfish

The Sawfish inhabits the tropical Indo-Pacific and lives on the bottom of near-coastal waters. With its tooth-studded snout it digs up the sandy bottom to expose prey animals (flatfish, crustaceans, snails, etc.). Larger prey items are killed by a sideways swipe of its “saw.” Although the Sawfish is primarily a denizen of the ocean, it occasionally makes forays into brackish lagoons or even into tropical rivers. Prior to birth, the offspring’s teeth are covered to avoid injuring the mother’s organs. Despite their elongated body shape, the Sawfish belongs to the rays.