Quck answer
Freshwater Sawfish, also known as River Monsters, are a critically endangered species of fish found in freshwater habitats such as rivers and lakes. They are characterized by their long, flat snouts which are lined with sharp teeth, used to catch prey such as fish and crustaceans. Freshwater Sawfish can grow up to 6 meters in length and weigh over 600 kilograms. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, but their populations have been severely depleted due to overfishing and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this fascinating species and prevent their extinction.
Wild Creatures
Freshwater Sawfish
Poppy Chandler/Icon Films
Maximum Size:
Can reach up to 20 feet in length
Maximum Weight:
Weighing over 400 pounds
Fish or Shark?
Despite being often mistaken for sharks, freshwater sawfish are actually fish from the ray family. They have bodies similar to sharks but their snouts, known as rostrums, are like sharp blades. These fish are found in different countries including Africa, Australia, Pakistan, and India. They have between 14 to 23 tooth-like denticles called rostral teeth located on either side of their rostrums. Male sawfish have more rostral teeth than females. At birth, the denticles are covered by a tissue sheath to protect the mother sawfish from injury during the birthing process.
Do Not Mess with Them:
Freshwater sawfish can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) long. They find food by swinging their rostrums from side to side to separate invertebrates from surfaces they live on and to stun schools of fish. Freshwater prawns and shrimps are also among their favorite meals. Other predators in the water rarely mess with them, but sharks and saltwater crocodiles sometimes hunt juvenile sawfish, which are smaller in size.
For Sale:
The meat of freshwater sawfish has been a staple food for indigenous people in Western Australia for a long time. Their fins are valuable in Asia, their livers are processed for oil, and their skin is used for leather. In traditional Chinese medicine, eggs, liver oil, and bile of the freshwater sawfish are also used.
Jeremy Wade’s Tips for Catching a Freshwater Sawfish:
“It felt strange on the line, similar to a stingray, but the jarring sensation wasn’t caused by the stingray’s tail hitting the line. It was the rostrum teeth…”
FAQ
1. What is a Freshwater Sawfish?
A Freshwater Sawfish is a type of fish that is found in freshwater rivers and estuaries. It is a type of ray and is known for its elongated snout that is lined with sharp teeth, which resemble a saw. The Freshwater Sawfish can grow up to 18 feet in length and is considered a critically endangered species.
2. Where are Freshwater Sawfish found?
Freshwater Sawfish are found in freshwater rivers and estuaries in various parts of the world, including Australia, Southeast Asia, and South America. They prefer warm, shallow waters and are commonly found in tropical regions.
3. What do Freshwater Sawfish eat?
Freshwater Sawfish primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They use their saw-like snout to stun and capture their prey before consuming it. They are also known to feed on larger fish and even turtles.
4. Why are Freshwater Sawfish endangered?
Freshwater Sawfish are considered critically endangered due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. They are often caught as bycatch in fishing nets and are also hunted for their meat and fins. Their habitat has also been destroyed due to damming and other development projects.
5. How can we help protect Freshwater Sawfish?
We can help protect Freshwater Sawfish by supporting conservation efforts and spreading awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species. We can also reduce our impact on their habitat by reducing pollution and supporting sustainable fishing practices.
6. Can Freshwater Sawfish be kept as pets?
No, Freshwater Sawfish cannot be kept as pets. They are protected under various international and national laws, and it is illegal to own them without proper permits and licenses. Additionally, they require specialized care and a large habitat, which makes them unsuitable for most people.
7. Are Freshwater Sawfish dangerous?
Freshwater Sawfish are not typically dangerous to humans. They are shy and elusive creatures that prefer to avoid contact with people. However, their saw-like snout can be dangerous if provoked, and they are capable of inflicting serious injury if threatened.
8. What is the lifespan of a Freshwater Sawfish?
The lifespan of a Freshwater Sawfish is not well documented, but it is believed to be around 25 to 30 years in the wild. However, due to their critically endangered status, many do not live past a few years old due to human impacts on their habitat and populations.
9. What is the conservation status of Freshwater Sawfish?
Freshwater Sawfish are considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are protected under various international and national laws, and conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore their populations. However, much more work is needed to ensure their survival and prevent their extinction.
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