Sawfish - Taxonomy and Species

Taxonomy and Species

The sawfish has seven species in two genera. This scheme has been described as chaotic, possibly omitting undescribed species including synonyms remains. The Pristis pristis species complex, which also includes P. microdon and P. perotteti, is in need of a taxonomic review.

Family Pristidae

• Genus Anoxypristis
  • Anoxypristis cuspidata (Knifetooth sawfish)

    Also known as the narrow or pointed sawfish. Lives in muddy areas of the Indo-West Pacific. Appears grey. Has been included in the genus Pristis, but has a narrower rostral saw with numerous teeth on the distal part and no teeth in the quarter nearest the head.

• Genus Pristis
  • Pristis clavata (Dwarf sawfish)

    Also known as the Queensland sawfish. Inhabits muddy bays and estuaries along the northern coast of Australia. Relatively small, reaching only around 1.4 m (4.6 ft).

  • Pristis microdon (Leichhardt's sawfish)

    Also known as the Largetooth sawfish (however this can lead to confusion with P. perotteti when the two are considered to be separate species) or Freshwater sawfish. Typically restricted to coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific, but has sometimes been considered synonymous with P. perotteti, and uncertainty exists over what species the scientific name P. microdon really belongs to, since the original description lacked a type locality.

  • Pristis pectinata (Smalltooth sawfish)

    Also known as the wide sawfish. Appears green or bluish-grey. Restricted to coastal parts of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean. Reports from elsewhere are believed to be misidentifications.

  • Pristis perotteti (Large-tooth sawfish)

    Typically restricted to coastal parts of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic and east Pacific, but with records far inland (e.g., Santarém and Lake Nicaragua). See P. microdon.

  • Pristis pristis (Common sawfish)

    Lives in the coastal parts of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Mediterranean, eastern Pacific and in northern Australia. As suggested by its name, once plentiful, but has declined drastically along with the other sawfishes.

  • Pristis zijsron (Longcomb sawfish)

    Found in the Indo-West Pacific. Prefers muddy bays and estuaries.